The dust of a frantic deadline day and an insignificant international break finally settling, Arsenal have a task on their hands against the reigning champions at home. Last year, this fixture brought out a draw but the memory of a 6-3 defeat at the Etihad last season will still remain fresh in fans minds.

Arsenal team news

Unlike previous international breaks, the Arsenal team has come through relatively untroubled. Mesut Ozil, Mikel Arteta, Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs are all match fit and will provide Arsene Wenger with a selection headache, which is always welcome.

Arsenal’s new goalkeeper David Ospina has finally returned from his injury but will provide cover for Wojciech Szczesny from the bench.

Yaya Sanogo could lose his place to Arsenal’s new striker Danny Welbeck. Both players scored during the international break and will be fighting for a starting spot in Arsenal’s lineup.

The only injury worry for Arsenal is Aaron Ramsey. The influential midfielder suffered a knock during his win against Andorra and could be a doubt for this match.

With Theo Walcott etching ever closer to full fitness and Abou Diaby also completing 90 minutes in an under 21s game, Arsenal have a squad that will no doubt push the reigning champions for the win.

Early kick-off bad luck?

The early kick-off hasn’t been very kind for Arsenal as they suffered crushing defeats away from home against top 4 opposition. Arsene Wenger has been quick to crush any problems relating to the time of a game. He stated, “ We only had problems away - at home we did quite well in the 12.45 kick-offs so let's not create a problem that we didn't have,”.

He also spoke of Arsenal’s performance in the past season away from home against top 4 opposition. “We had [a problem] away from home but honestly, I didn't think it was linked with the kick-off time. It was linked with our performances.”

Big tests coming up

This is Arsenal’s first big test. In previous performances this season, Arsenal haven’t pulled out all the stops and their performances have been far from convincing. They can draw positives from the 3-0 win against City in the Community Shield but Arsenal know there will be a much changed Manchester City team this time around.

With an away trip to Dortmund coming up, this would be the perfect time for Arsenal to put in a convincing performance and take all three points against Manchester City and signal an intent to the opposition that Arsenal aren’t just fighting for a top 4 position but are genuine contenders for the title.

Predicted line-up

Wojciech Szczesny, Mathieu Debuchy, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Danny Welbeck.

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