Early team news: Rico Lewis starting place revealed ahead of Arsenal vs Manchester City (Premier League)

Rico Lewis is set to start for Manchester City away at Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, according to sources in the build-up to the official release of team news.

Arsenal and Manchester City go head-to-head for the first time in the Premier League this season, as Pep Guardiola’s side hold ambitions of beating the Gunners to a second successive English top-flight crown, and their fourth in a row overall.

City have endured a mixed level of form in recent weeks, having been on the receiving end of two consecutive defeats at the hands of Newcastle United and Wolves in the Carabao Cup third round and Premier League respectively.

However, Pep Guardiola and his players were able to bounce back with a victory against RB Leipzig away from home in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with goals from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, and Jeremy Doku registering a 1-3 win to move City three points clear at the top of their group.

In the build-up to Arsenal against Manchester City in North London, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that John Stones is not ready to play against the Gunners, despite having returned to full first-team training earlier this week and being named on the bench in Germany.

Kevin De Bruyne remains ruled out until early 2024 – according to the latest understanding – following surgery on a hamstring problem, while Rodri is completing the final match of a three-game suspension, and has been granted an early holiday by the club.

Ahead of the release of the confirmed and official starting line-ups at the Emirates Stadium, a number of sources have began releasing snippets of Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up and matchday squad.

According to the information of X user FPLMaineRoad, Rico Lewis will be granted the opportunity to build on a hugely impressive performance in midweek by starting once again for Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The 18-year-old excelled in a central midfield role at the Red Bull Arena, having been granted license to attack by Pep Guardiola, and provided a decisive assist for Phil Foden’s opening goal on the night.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, as well as Pep Guardiola, are expected to confirm their respective starting line-ups at approximately 15:30 BST on Sunday afternoon.

Now confirmed.