Arsenal line-ups for Man City as Viktor Gyokeres and tough Eberechi Eze decisions made

Arsenal face a tough test of their title credentials as they welcome Manchester City to the Emirates on Sunday. The Gunners will go into the match as favourites, with their opponents having a rocky start to the Premier League season, but a clash with Pep Guardiola's outfit is never underestimated.

Mikel Arteta's super-subs rescued them in the Champions League against Athletic Club. With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard combining for both goals in a 2-0 victory. But were their efforts enough to earn a starting spot against City? The door is open, with some early concerns raised about Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres suffering a nasty head cut in Europe.

Express Sport writers give their view on who should start on Sunday...

Jack McEachen

Gabriel Martinelli showcased exactly why he has been a regular starter since Mikel Arteta's return to north London against Athletic Club. He turned defence into attack in just a matter of seconds, latching onto Leandro Trossard's flick-on to break the deadlock.

That may be the skillset required against Pep Guardiola's City, who will look to keep the ball and keep the Emirates crowd to a low volume. Arteta has shown he is not afraid to sit back and let his supreme defence soak up the pressure.

Martinelli could be preferred for that reason.

Cristhian Mosquera has not put a foot wrong since stepping in for the injured William Saliba. But with the Frenchman healthy again, he may be restored to deal with an in-form and confident Erling Haaland.

My team (4-3-3): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.

Tom Parsons

Arteta will be desperate to get Saliba back in his starting line-up following the defender's injury layoff and will almost certainly select him ahead of Mosquera if he's fully fit.

The Spaniard will also be sweating on the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka for the clash following their absences. But the Arsenal boss may stick with Mikel Merino and Noni Madueke instead, with the duo both showing their worth this season.

Eze has too much attacking talent to leave on the bench so should be utilised from the outset. And Gyokeres will be under pressure to make the difference in the box.

My team (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze

Archie Griggs

Arteta's fingers will be firmly crossed when it comes to those players facing late fitness tests. He will be desperate to have Saliba, Saka and Odegaard available for selection, but the Gunners will have enough quality in their side even if they are ruled out.

Their manager will move heaven and earth to play Saliba in defence but if Odegaard and Saka are ruled out, Merino and Madueke are likely to be handed starting berths.

As mentioned above, Martinelli has impressed so far this season but Eze should get the nod over him against City. The former Crystal Palace man joined Arsenal for exactly this type of occasion and will be raring to make an impact up front.

My team (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze.