Expect Arsenal to line up in their usual 4-3-3, with David Raya behind a back four of Ben White, Mosquera, Gabriel and Calafiori. Bruno Guimarães anchors the midfield alongside Lewis-Skelly, with Odegaard pulling the strings further forward. Havertz leads the line, flanked by the electric Madueke and Tzolis. This is a side built to press high, win the ball in dangerous areas, and knife through the lines with quick combinations. The double pivot of Guimarães and Lewis-Skelly gives them the platform to control the tempo, while Odegaard drifts into the half-spaces to create overloads.

City, under Maresca, will likely stick to a 4-3-3 of their own — a shape that mirrors the Guardiola blueprint but with a twist. Donnarumma starts in goal, with Khusanov, Rúben Dias and Gvardiol in front of him. The midfield trio of O'Reilly, Anderson and Kovačić will look to dominate possession, while Foden and Doku provide width and Haaland lurks as the ultimate penalty-box predator. But without Rodri, the protection in front of the back four is weaker. Arsenal's press will target that space between the lines, forcing Kovačić to drop deep and leaving gaps for Odegaard to exploit. This is a game that could be decided in the middle of the park — a midfield dogfight where second balls and quick transitions reign supreme.