Arteta to make big lineup against Man City in tough Premier League battle

- Arsenal will welcome in-form Man City for their match-week 24 at the Emirates

- The tie comes at a time City are in hot form, having won 17 matches on the bounce across competitions

- Mikel Arteta has been handed a boost in the trio of Lacazette, Tierney and Holding, all who are expected to be slotted in the starting line up

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Man City will be looking to extend their unbeaten run on Sunday evening, February 21, when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

A win at the north London would see City stretch their unbeaten streak to 18 games as they push to reclaim the Premier League title.

The Etihad dwellers have won 17 matches on the bounce across all competitions, including 12 league fixtures to move 10 points clear on the summit of the table - and 22 above the Gunners who occupy 10th place.

Whereas odds are not in favour of Arsenal ahead of the clash, Mikel Arteta's men will be desperate to register a favourable result to revive their hopes of playing in Europe next season.

A massive eight points separate them in 10th with a Champions League slot with just 14 matches left to end the season.

Their fixture against City come on the backdrop of their 1-1 disappointing draw against Benfica in the first leg of their round of 32 Europa League tie.

Therefore, they will be keen to pick at least a point on the bare minimum and build on the momentum in their subsequent matches.

However, they may have to do that without Thomas Partey who faces a late fitness test.

Be that as it may, Arteta will be happy to welcome back the trio of Kieran Tierney, Alexander Lacazette and Rob Holding all who missed the Benfica trip.

Bernd Leno is sure to start between the sticks in Arteta's hugely preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Holding and Gabriel are expected to take charge at the heart of defence, with Cedric Soares and Tierney providing cover on either flank.

Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos could get a nod in midfield alongside Emile Smith Rowe, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and Alexander Lacazette leading the goal hunt.

Earlier, Legit.ng had reported how Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang missed a couple of chances during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Benfica but the Gabonese striker has tendered his apologies to fans.

The North London club should have buried the game but hold an away goal advantage going into the second leg at the Emirates.

Hector Bellerin released a beautiful pass across to Aubameyang and all he needed to do was to apply a simple tap-in to put his side ahead in the 19th minute.

Ibitoye Shittu is an award winning Sports Journalist with more than 10 years experience in News-writing, reporting and Public Relation. He is an HND and B.SC holder of Mass Communication and can be reached on Twitter @Ibishittu