Paul Merson explains Mikel Arteta ‘headache’ and makes Man City vs Arsenal prediction

Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta is grappling with a enactment headache up of Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City.

The reigning Premier League champions play big to past year’s runners-up successful what promises to beryllium an explosive contention astatine the Etihad Stadium.

City person yet to driblet a point, portion Arsenal volition beryllium looking to marque it back-to-back league wins aft their derby-day triumph implicit Tottenham past clip out.

The Gunners volition beryllium buoyed by the instrumentality of Declan Rice who missed the clash with Spurs owed to suspension.

Veteran midfielder Jorginho filled successful for the Englishman past play for his archetypal commencement of the play but was dropped to the seat for Arsenal’s midweek gully against Atalanta successful the Champions League.

However, Merson believes Arteta whitethorn see returning the Italian to the starting line-up connected Sunday, perchance moving Thomas Partey to the subs bench.

‘It’s a existent headache for Arteta now. He indispensable determine whether helium should play Jorginho oregon not,’ the erstwhile Arsenal midfielder told Sportskeeda.

‘I person a beardown feeling Jorginho volition play this crippled contempt Declan Rice returning from his suspension. With Kai Havertz successful midfield the different day, it truly helped some Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

‘One happening Jorginho does truly good is, helium keeps the ball. During the 1-0 triumph astatine Emirates past season, City could not interaction him, helium was conscionable excessively good.’

Last play saw a much antiaircraft Arsenal settee for a constituent distant from home, and Merson is expecting a akin effect this time, adjacent if Arteta’s broadside are much adventurous this clip around.

‘Kevin De Bruyne is apt to miss this game, but City person unthinkable depth,’ helium added.

‘My caput is saying Manchester City [will] win, but my bosom says “Don’t get bushed Arsenal”. If I had to prime 1 squad to win, that would beryllium City but I’m inactive going for a draw.’

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