Arsenal vs Manchester City: 5 key battles to watch out for | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Raheem Sterling vs Hector Bellerin

Raheem Sterling has been impressive this year

Manchester City have been a resurgent force this year and Arsenal will need to play out of their skins to keep the Cityzens' attack at bay. Raheem Sterling is yet to hit his peak this season but has shown glimpses of his best self in recent weeks and will give the Gunners their fair share of problems on Sunday.

With Manchester City in splendid form at the moment, Arsenal's defence will have to be on guard and Hector Bellerin will need to carry his weight in this fixture. The Spaniard can make an impact in the final third but is prone to the occasional blunder and cannot afford to err against the in-form Raheem Sterling.

The Gunners have been a robust outfit under Mikel Arteta but have been prone to defensive lapses this season. Raheem Sterling has the pace and guile to trouble Arsenal's Hector Bellerin and will want to win his battles on the pitch this weekend.

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#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Ruben Dias

Aubameyang will have to step up to the plate

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has endured a difficult campaign this season and has been nowhere near his best. The Arsenal captain has missed several chances in the final third and the Gunners will need their inspirational talisman to come up with a magical performance against Pep Guardiola's side.

Aubameyang has troubled Manchester City in the past and has a good record against the Cityzens. Manchester City have invested in their defence this season, however, and have seen a discernible improvement in their results over the past few weeks.

Aubameyang’s first Premier League hat-trick ✨ pic.twitter.com/Wh0FLOr1Vo

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 14, 2021

Ruben Dias, in particular, has been a formidable wall in Pep Guardiola's defensive wall and has added an element of solidity to his side. Arsenal have their work cut out for them this weekend and Aubemayang will need to carry his side in the final third against Manchester City.

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#1 Kevin De Bruyne vs Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka will be up against De Bruyne on Sunday

Arsenal have been an improved side under Mikel Arteta this season and former captain Granit Xhaka has played a crucial role in the Gunners' midfield. With his teammates yet to find their feet at Arsenal, Granit Xhaka will have to do much of the heavy lifting to nip Manchester City's attacks in the bud.

Pep Guardiola's outfit has been relentless in recent weeks and can now afford the luxury of fielding Kevin De Bruyne in their formidable side. Manchester City are known to dominate the ball and the Arsenal midfield will have to play a disruptive role to stand a chance in this fixture.

My face says it all. Happy to be back helping my team 😁 pic.twitter.com/wm4TNdsHkG

— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) February 17, 2021

De Bruyne has not had his best season so far but has already managed 10 Premier League assists this season. With the Belgian's extraordinary standards and Manchester City's impressive form at the moment, Arsenal's midfielders cannot afford to put a foot wrong on Sunday.

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