Arsenal vs. Man City lineups, starting 11, confirmed team news, injuries: Raya returns but Ederson out

An early February showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City looked set to be a pivotal moment in the Premier League title race, once upon a time.

The top two from the past two seasons played out a tempestuous 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium in September, seemingly setting the scene for another fight to the finish.

However, City's form collapsed over winter and their renewed aim for the season is a top-four finish rather than hauling in runaway leaders Liverpool.

Having said that, Pep Guardiola's side would be just three points behind Arsenal if they are triumphant in north London.

The Sporting News runs through the latest team news for Sunday's big Premier League showdown, including confirmed starting lineups.

MORE: Pep Guardiola reveals what he said to Ortega and Gvardiol in angry tirade after Brentford draw

Arsenal vs. Man City lineups, confirmed starting 11, team news

David Raya was passed fit to start following a muscular problem, with backup goalkeeper Neto dropping to the bench.

Miles Lewis-Skelly completed the expected back four at left-back after the three-game suspension for this controversial red card against Wolves was overturned. 

Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu (all knee) remain on the sidelines.

Arsenal lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) —Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly — Odegaard, Partey, Rice — Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli

Arsenal subs: Neto (GK), Tierney, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Merino, Sterling, Calafiori, Nwaneri.

Omar Marmoush comes back into the City starting lineup following his impressive debut against Chelsea last weekend. The Egypt forward was ineligible against Club Brugge in midweek.

John Stones completed 90 minutes for the first time since October on Wednesday night and the England defender is pressed back into action because Ruben Dias (abductor) and Nathan Ake (muscular) still out. Stefan Ortega starts in goal with Ederson a surprise absentee from the matchday squad.

Rodri's cruciate knee ligament injury in the reverse fixture dealt a blow from which City's season is unlikely to recover but fellow long-term absentee Oscar Bobb (broken leg) is closing in on a return.

Man City lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ortega (GK) —Nunes, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol — Silva, Kovacic — Foden, Marmoush, Savinho — Haaland

Man City subs: Carson (GK), Grealish, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Reis, Khusanov, O'Reilly, Lewis, McAtee.

MORE: How Man City fans and players helped Khusanov through nightmare debut

Arsenal vs. Man City live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch the big game from Premier League across various countries.