'Strong feeling': Paul Merson is convinced Mikel Arteta will start £12m Arsenal player vs Man City
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Arsenal and Manchester City prepare to lock horns at the Etihad Stadium in a game that could emerge as a potential title decider so early on in the season.
The corresponding fixture finished 0-0 last season and Arsenal secured a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, although Man City got their hands on the Premier League title by a margin of two points.
Both sides have looked good at the start of the new season but Arsenal have some injury issues to deal with, with Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino unavailable.
The midfield battle could well decide the tie in Manchester and one player who is expected to start for Arsenal is Jorginho, who starred in the reverse fixture last season.
And Paul Merson believes the Italy international is in line for another start despite the impending return of Declan Rice from a suspension.
Paul Merson predicts Jorginho to start for Arsenal
The Arsenal legend feels Jorginho’s ability to keep the ball in the centre of the park will allow the Gunners to control the game.
“I have a strong feeling Jorginho will play this game despite Declan Rice returning from his suspension,” Merson wrote in his column for Sportskeeda.
“With Kai Havertz in midfield the other day, it really helped both Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
“One thing Jorginho does really well is, he keeps the ball. During the 1-0 win at Emirates last season, City could not touch him, he was just too good.
Signed for £12m from Chelsea in January 2023, Jorginho has made a positive impact at the club on and off the pitch and his experience could prove to be valuable for Arsenal this season.
Read More:Charles Watts says Jorginho is 'basically an extra member of the coaching staff' behind the scenes
How are Arsenal expected to line up against Man City?
Arteta is expected to make one change to the XI that started against Tottenham Hotspur, with Rice expected to return after serving a one-match ban.
If Jorginho keeps his place in the team, Leandro Trossard could make way for the Englishman, with Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka spearheading the attack.
Alan Shearer praised Jorginho for his performance against Tottenham, but the Italian is set to face a much tougher test this weekend if he keeps his place in the team.
