...By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Manchester City are preparing to face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, trailing the Gunners by five points but with two games in hand.
The match presents City with an opportunity to take control of the title race, as a win would extend their winning streak in the League to seven games.
Riyad Mahrez is pushing for a starting position after being left on the bench for both legs of the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.
However, he started against Sheffield United in the FA Cup, scoring a hat-trick and sending City through to the final.
Mahrez hopes to start on the right, ahead of Bernardo Silva.
Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri are expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, which City lost 1-0 at Wembley.
Aymeric Laporte will probably continue on the left of the defence, with John Stones returning to take up his hybrid midfield role.
The one injury concern for City is Nathan Ake, who is a major doubt due to a hamstring injury sustained in the second leg against Bayern Munich.
If Ake is unable to play, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji could form the centre-back pairing.
Phil Foden is in contention for his first start in a month, but Jack Grealish’s impressive form on the left may keep him on the bench.
Erling Haaland is expected to lead the line against Arsenal, looking to add to his tally of 48 goals this season.
Commentary
Manchester City have been in excellent form lately, winning their last six Premier League matches, and they will be looking to continue that run against Arsenal.
A win would put them in a strong position to win the title, and they will be boosted by the return of Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri to the starting lineup.
Riyad Mahrez will also be hoping to start after his hat-trick in the FA Cup.
However, City will have to cope without Nathan Ake, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
This presents a challenge for Pep Guardiola, who will have to decide on the centre-back pairing.
Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji could be the chosen duo, but John Stones may also be an option.
Erling Haaland will be looking to continue his impressive goalscoring form, and he will be facing Rob Holding, who has had a mixed season so far.
Overall, City will be confident of getting a result against Arsenal, but the Gunners have also been in good form recently and will be looking to cause an upset.
