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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones to return - Man City predicted line up vs Arsenal FC

Kevin De Bruyne could make his first start in over a month on Sunday when Manchester City face Arsenal.

City currently sit 10 points clear at the top of the table and will be hoping to extend their winning streak to a hugely impressive 18 games when they travel to the Emirates.

The Blues could have a huge boost for the match too should De Bruyne come in to the starting XI for the first time since the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, in which he suffered a hamstring injury.

The Brilliant Belgian made his return to action in Wednesday's 3-1 win at Everton, coming on for the final 10 minutes with the game already won and within 60 seconds he had already pulled off a sublime pass to prove he hasn't missed a beat.

However, with City playing so well in his absence, Pep Guardiola may have a dilemma on his hands on fitting him back in the team, with so many players performing brilliantly.

Phil Foden being the prime example with two goals and an assist in his last three games. However, the 20-year-old has started and played the full 90 minutes in those three matches, all against tough opposition, so perhaps he will  make way for a well deserved rest.

With Ilkay Gundogan missing the trip to Goodison due to the groin injury he picked up last weekend, it would make sense if he wasn't rushed back into the starting XI if he's fit to return and is instead named on the bench, leaving Bernardo Silva and Rodri to retain their places in midfield.

There may be more changes at the back, however, with Guardiola restoring his first choice back-line after a rare goal was conceded in mid-week.

That would see Aleks Zinchenko come in for Kyle Walker, with Joao Cancelo shifting back to right-back, and John Stones returning to centre-back in place of Aymeric Laporte.

The front-three, however, could be left unchanged. Raheem Sterling is a given while Riyad Mahrez deserves to keep his spot in the side following his excellent performance on Wednesday.

With Sergio Aguero still feeling his way back to fitness, Gabriel Jesus will also likely keep his spot, too. However, he will have to quickly start becoming more clinical after missing two great chances against Everton while the score was still level, which could be costly against tougher sides.

Predicted City Starting XI vs Arsenal: Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Dias, Zinchenko; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo; Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling.

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