Manchester City will want to win the Premier League encounter against Arsenal in North London on Sunday with a perfect record.
City recently suffered defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League and Newcastle United in the EFL Cup, but they recovered with a victory against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League in the middle of the week.
I think City will enter the game against Arsenal with confidence after winning the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup last season.
But without John Stones, Pep Guardiola’s team will have to prevail.
Stones hasn’t appeared for City this season in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola on John Stones vs. Arsenal
However, the defender from England, who earns £250,000 a week (Spotrac), sat on City’s bench for their Wednesday UEFA Champions League match against RB Leipzig.
Stones, who can also play as a midfielder, won’t get the start against Arsenal, according to Guardiola.
According to a remark from Guardiola on City’s official website, Stones cannot start. Not yet prepared to play. For the national team perhaps, but not for us.
My Opinion: Be careful with John Stones.
I don’t think Pep Guardiola of Manchester City should risk anything with John Stones against Arsenal.
Guardiola doesn’t, in my opinion, have a compelling reason to start Stones against Arsenal.
Of course, you want all of your best players to play against a team like Arsenal.
However, we must keep in mind that it is only a game in early October.
It won’t be settled on Sunday who will win the Premier League.
Yes, the news about the Stones is horrible.
Stones must be available and in shape for City.
After all, the 29-year-old is one of City’s best players and is now playing at the very top of his form.
But rather than concentrating on a single game, we must consider the long haul.