Julian Alvarez returns as Kalvin Phillips decision made – Man City predicted team vs Arsenal

Manchester City return to Premier League action at the Emirates and can look forward to the biggest game yet.

Manchester City travel to Arsenal on Sunday for their biggest game of the season so far, with Josep Guardiola expected to re-sign Julian Alvarez after another impressive performance in midweek.

City managed to avoid a minor slump on Wednesday, defeating German club RB Leipzig 3-1 in the second leg of the Champions League group stage. Phil Foden gave them an early lead, but Royce Openda equalized just after half-time.

Alvarez came on as a substitute in the 79th minute and provided a goal and an assist for Jeremy Doku, securing all three points. The Argentine has been a star for City this season and will start in Sunday’s away trip to the Emirates.

He will likely return to a role behind Erling Haaland, who remains in charge. The Norwegian has scored eight goals in 11 appearances in all competitions, but has only scored one goal in his last four matches.

With Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva now fully fit, Guardiola has plenty of options on the wing and the Blues manager will likely rely on his most reliable option in such a big game. . This means Grealish will retain his right-wing position after being substituted earlier this week, while Silva will remain on the right-wing and be tasked with covering for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Guardiola needs defensive stability away from top opponents and could call on Kalvin Phillips in Rodri’s absence. The 27-year-old has still struggled in recent games, but with Mateo Kovacic struggling in his role against Wolves, Sunday could be his chance. Kovacic is also likely to play, but he will play a more natural role between Phillips and Alvarez, with Matheus Nunez on the bench.

Guardiola has already admitted that John Stones is not fit enough to play, and Guardiola may stick with the back four he started with in midweek. This means Josko Gvardiol will retain his place at left-back ahead of Nathan Ake, with Kyle Walker continuing to start on the opposite flank.

Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji have formed a strong relationship in central defence, and this pairing could continue on Sunday. Ederson has been a regular fixture in the Premier League this season and will continue to be in goal.

City predicted-XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Phillips, Kovacic; Silva, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland.