Predicted Manchester City XI to play Arsenal – One change from Stoke defeat

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Match to be played on Saturday 13th September 2014 at 12:45. Venue: Emirates Stadium, London.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini will be demanding a big reaction from his team when they travel to Arsenal this weekend.

The champions come off the back of a disappointing result at home against Stoke City, but they have a side which could dominate this game and secure an important three points.

We’ve named City’s potential starting side for the game.

GK – Joe Hart

England’s number one and City’s best goalkeeper. He retains his place.

RB – Bacary Sagna

A great chance for him to express himself with a good performance against his old club with Pablo Zabaleta nursing a knock.

CB – Vincent Kompany

The good news for Manchester City is that Kompany’s scans during the international break confirmed he didn’t have a serious problem. He starts if he’s anything close to being match fit.

CB – Martin Demichelis

The Argentine was criticised for his performance in games like this last season, but he’s another experienced option to have in the back four.

LB – Aleksandar Kolarov

A safe option at left-back and Pellegrini will recognise that he had a good international break and will be confident.

RM – Samir Nasri

Another ex-Gunner and another big threat to Arsenal. Nasri can control possession whether he’s out wide or whether he’s drifted in centrally.

CM – Yaya Toure

Toure’s ability as a box-to-box midfielder is obvious. He can win this game for City single handed if Arsenal don’t keep on top of him.

CM – Fernandinho

Fernandinho can come into the team if Fernando hasn’t recovered from the groin problem, which forced him off in the first-half against Stoke.

LM – David Silva

Arguably the best player in the Premier League when it comes to controlling possession. He’ll be crucial in this game and could make the difference with a single pass.

ST – Sergio Aguero

Aguero has been training with City after the international break and should be fine for this game. He’ll be all over Arsenal’s defence like a rash.

ST – Edin Dzeko

Dzeko will provide Arsenal with a different type of threat. He can get stuck in physically but doesn’t sacrifice possession play and pressure through physicality.