Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We know it's a vital period for us."
Team news: Olivier Giroud will undergo a late fitness test after receiving a knock to the knee against Swansea City in the 2-2 FA Cup third round draw on Sunday, while forward Gervinho is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast. Midfielder Abou Diaby returned from three months out with a thigh problem to play for the club's under-21 side this week and could be involved against City. Defender Andre Santos (stomach muscle) also had a run-out, but is not yet expected to feature for the first team.
Arsenal (from): Szczesny, Gibbs, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Sagna, Podolski, Cazorla, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arteta, Walcott, Mannone, Giroud, Ramsey, Koscielny, Rosicky, Coquelin, Arshavin, Jenkinson, Diaby
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini: "We have not won at Arsenal for many years so it is time we changed this situation."
Team news: Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri all miss out with the Argentina international hamstrung, the Ivorian midfielder away at the Africa Cup of Nations – along with brother Kolo, the defender, and back-up striker Abdul Razak – and former Gunner Nasri completes a three-game suspension. Left-back Aleksandar Kolarov (knee) is back in contention but right-back Maicon (knee) is still out while Micah Richards and Jack Rodwell are long-term casualties.
Man City (from): Hart, Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Lescott, Kolarov, Clichy, Rekik, Milner, Barry, Garcia, Sinclair, Silva, Tevez, Dzeko, Balotelli, Lopes, Suarez.
Match officials:
Referee: Mike Dean; Assistants: S Ledger, J Brooks; Fourth official: M Oliver.
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