Football is back at long last and the reigning Premier League champions are finally back in action.
Pep Guardiola welcomes former assistant manager Mikel Arteta back to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since his departure in December as City take on Arsenal in their first competitive fixture since March.
City may have conceded defeat in this season's title race but will be playing with a point to prove following their derby defeat to Manchester United prior to the postponement of the season.
Guardiola will be eager to build momentum as they look to defend the FA Cup as well as progress in the Champions League by knocking out Real Madrid.
The break from football means the City boss is in a position he is yet to experience this season, with all of his players fully fit and ready for action.
Guardiola refused to condemn Kyle Walker after the defender breached lockdown rules twice and added the club have already dealt with the issue internally meaning he should start ahead of Joao Cancelo at right-back. Aymeric Laporte is likely to partner Fernandinho at the heart of defence with Benjamin Mendy at left-back.
Rodri will anchor the midfield three which could include Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan. The German has been preferred in games against the tougher opposition and could get the nod ahead of Bernardo and David Silva.
City fans could finally see Leroy Sane back in action with the winger looking sharp in training after missing the entirety of the season with a knee injury. His pace and power could be a serious issue for an Arsenal defence that has looked unconvincing this season.
On the opposite flank, Raheem Sterling will be eager to end his recent goal drought, failing to find the back of the net since the defeat against Wolves on December 27. The England international has five goals in 11 games against the Gunners and will hope to finally break his duck.
Sergio Aguero should the lead the line as he remains in the hunt for another Premier League golden boot.
Predicted XI: Ederson, Walker, Laporte, Fernandino, Mendy, Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Sane, Sterling, Aguero
