Manchester City will welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium this midweek in what is poised to be a potential title decider for the 2022-23 Premier League. The match is slated to begin at 12:30 AM (IST) on Thursday.

Both teams will be desperate for a win with the stakes higher than ever before since both teams are gunning for the Premier League title. While City has won four titles in five years, Arsenal will be hoping to claim their first Premier League crown in 19 years.

MCI vs ARS Dream11 prediction for Premier League 2022-23

Despite being in second place on the points table to Arsenal, Manchester City will be favourites to edge this close contest. The Gunners are top of the table with 75 points from 32 games, while the Citizens have collected 70 points from 30 matches.

Manchester City head into this contest with a 16-game unbeaten streak across competitions, while Arsenal has dropped points in each of their last three Premier League matches. Although Arsenal has the edge in the Premier League head-to-head between the teams having won 23 of the 50 encounters that the teams have contested. City has won 17 games and there have also been 10 draws between these teams in the Premier League.

City though has beaten Arsenal in each of their last 11 Premier League meetings and have also defeated them twice in the ongoing season. Needless to say, the Citizens will head into this contest as the likelier side to win the game and take control of the title race.

MCI vs ARS Dream11 team tips for Premier League 2022-23

Top tip: Best forward - Erling Haaland

Having Erling Haaland in your fantasy football team is certainly a no-brainer. The deadliest striker in Europe with a whopping 48 goals from 42 games in all competitions, Haaland is the leading scorer in the Premier League with 32 goals. He’s also provided five assists in the Premier League and has been a nightmare for opposition defences. Expect him to be on the scoresheet again and help you get precious fantasy football points.

Top tip: Best midfielder - Gabriel Martinelli

An absolute revelation in the Premier League this season, Gabriel Martinelli has exhibited great form of late. He’s netted 15 goals in the league so far, making him the Gunners�?biggest attacking threat. An electric presence on the flanks, Martinelli also has five assists in the league and can prove to be the difference if granted the opportunity by City’s defence.   

Top tip: Best defender - John Stones

The best defender for England at the moment, John Stones�?versatility means he could play anywhere across the backline for City. A ball-playing defender, Stones is more than capable of slotting into midfield when needed and is comfortable going forward besides also being a threat in the opposition box. Strong in set-pieces and in the tackle, having Stones in your fantasy team can help you score big. He’s also provided a couple of assists and has scored once in the Premier League this season.  

Top tip: Best goalkeeper - Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale has kept 12 clean sheets in the league over the course of the campaign but hasn’t managed a shutout in his last three matches. He’s likely to be the busier of the two goalkeepers, meaning the more saves he does pull off could lead to more fantasy points for you.  

Photo credits: Alamy

The Premier League boasts of some of the finest young talents in the game. The 2019/20 season of the English top-flight football has seen a number of teenagers break into their respective first-teams and go on to make a solid impression. 

And here, we put together a lineup comprising of some of the most impressive teenage talents currently plying their trade in the English top flight.

GK: Joseph Anang (West Ham United U23)

No teenager has featured in the Premier League in the goalkeeping position this season. So, 19-year-old Joseph Anang, who is the West Ham reserve goalkeeper and has the highest number of clean sheets (eight in 17 matches) in the Premier League 2 gets the nod. Has made it to the bench on one occasion, but is yet to make his first-team bow.

RB: Tariq Lamptey (Brighton, on loan from Chelsea)

There are a number of supremely talented young right-backs in England currently �?Trent Alexander-Arnold, Max Aarons, Reece James. And Chelsea’s Tariq Lamptey could soon be set to join the list. The 19-year-old broke into the first-team this term and hasn’t made a lot of appearances, but has impressed whenever given an opportunity.

Read | Three players whose stocks have dived in the 2019-20 Premier League

Having joined Brighton on loan in January, Lamptey did not get a chance to make an impression as the season was suspended soon after. In all, he has featured 22 times in all competitions, senior and reserve teams combined, scoring and assisting three goals apiece.

CB: Eric Garcia (Manchester City)

The Manchester City academy man has been tipped for great things and he has shown why he is held in high regard within the club with some impressive displays in the first-team this season. A regular for the Spanish U-21 side, the 19-year-old has made nine first-team appearances at City this season, contributing with a solitary assist as well. Is expected to play an increased role next term.

CB: Brandon Williams (Manchester United)

The 19-year-old Manchester United starlet has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, impressing heavily for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Primarily a right-footed left-back, Williams has excelled in that role. But for the want of teenage centre-backs in the Premier League, he slots in at the heart of the defence here, a position where he has played in the past during his youth days.

LB: Ryan Sessegnon (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Englishman was snapped up by Tottenham last summer after an impressive couple of seasons with Fulham. And while the 19-year-old hasn’t been able to make the desired impact this term due to injuries, he’s still regarded as one of the finest prospects in the country. Till date, Sessegnon has made 41 Premier League appearances in his career, scoring six goals and setting up two more.

RW: Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea)

One of the most exciting players to have come through Chelsea’s youth academy in recent years, Callum Hudson-Odoi has become a household name over the past year and a half and has already broken into the England national team during the time. Till date, the 19-year-old has made 53 first-team appearances, bagging eight goals and assisting 10 more. 

Read | Three U-20 players who impressed in the 2019/20 Premier League season

CM: Phil Foden (Manchester City)

One of the most technically gifted young players in England, the Manchester City starlet burst onto the scenes when he helped England win the FIFA U-17 World Cup a few years ago. Hasn’t been able to nail down a place in the starting XI at City due to the horde of superstars at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, but has shone brightly each time he has been given the chance. In 26 appearances this term, he has bagged three goals and created seven more for his teammates.

CM: Billy Gilmour (Chelsea)

The 18-year-old Scottish midfielder broke through the first-team at Chelsea under Frank Lampard this term and has made quite the impression. Back-to-back Man of the Match performances against Liverpool (FA Cup) and Everton (Premier League) has meant Gilmour’s stocks have risen rapidly in recent months.

LW: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

One of the few positives for Arsenal in the 2019/20 campaign, Saka has enjoyed a sensational breakthrough season with the Gunners. In 29 senior appearances, the 18-year-old has come up with a fine return of three goals and nine assists across all competitions. Has impressed with his versatility, having played as a winger and a full-back over the course of the season.

Read | Three youngsters poised to breakout in the Premier League next season

ST: Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)

Regarded as one of the finest prospects to have come through the Manchester United academy, Mason Greenwood has impressed heavily in his first full season with the first-team. With twelve goals and four assists in 36 senior appearances across all competitions, the 18-year-old has stepped up admirably and should grow into a pivotal member of the team in the coming seasons.

ST: Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Signed by Arsenal only last summer, the Brazilian hasn’t taken long to adapt to the rigours of English football, shining bright with his all-round play in the attacking third. With ten goals and four assists in just 26 matches, the 18-year-old has shown that he is a star in the making.

The English Premier League is one of the most competitive football leagues in the world. Some of the world's best players are brought in to play for the clubs in this league and the management doesn't shy away from spending huge amounts of money to acquire their services as well.

However, these clubs invest in youth as well if they spot young talent, and they’re then nurtured and grown in their academies to make them world-class players. Sometimes, even while they’re still teenagers, they are given chances to showcase their talent at the highest level If they go on to impress in the limited number of opportunities given to them, they start getting chances on a more consistent basis as well.

We saw some examples of such players making their mark in the 2019/20 season of the Premier League as well and here, we will take a look at three of the most talented among them.

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

The 18-year-old Brazilian forward was mainly supposed to play for Arsenal's U-23 team when the club signed him for a fee of £5 million from Brazil's third-tier team Ituano. However, Martinelli impressed the entire Arsenal management so much in training that he was fast-tracked into the senior team.

Read | Harry Maguire vs Virgil van Dijk: World’s costliest defenders

The club gave him the chance to prove his mettle first in cup competitions like the Europa League and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in a total of 12 appearances. As a result, he was handed his Premier League start later on as well and he impressed once again, scoring three goals and one assist in a total of 14 appearances, eight of which came from the bench.

Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)

Already a star at Old Trafford at just 18 years of age, Mason Greenwood has made a total of 40 appearances for the club across all competitions this season and racked up 12 goals and four assists. These numbers might not seem extraordinary but remember that he started in only 17 of those 40 appearances and keeping that in mind, the number of times he contributed is quite extraordinary. These goals also include five strikes in the Premier League itself.

Former United players like Gary Neville and Nicky Butt have already gone on to describe him as one of the best young players they have ever seen. Greenwood has extended his contract with the Red Devils and we can expect to see him as a firmly established player at Old Trafford in no time.

Read | Who is Kai Havertz and why are top clubs chasing him?

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

He hasn't gotten the same recognition as the other two players in this list but Bukayo Saka has been just no less impressive with his performances. He made his debut for Arsenal during the 2018/19 Europa League season but it was during the last season that he cemented his place in Arsenal's first team.

Saka has made 29 appearances across all competitions this season and racked up three goals along with nine assists. Four of those assists have come in the Premier League itself and that came despite the fact that he played out of his natural position. Although he’s primarily a winger, Saka played in the left-back position for the Gunners, which speaks for his versatility as a player a bright future in the waiting.

Feature image courtesy: Oli Scarff

Since arriving at the Emirates a little over two years ago, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has established himself as a firm fan favourite among the Arsenal supporters. The Gabonese international has been a prolific goalscorer for the Gunners�?since making the big-money move from Borussia Dortmund.

Aubameyang, so far, has scored 61 goals in 97 appearances for Arsenal. The 30-year-old won the Premier League Golden Boot award last season and also played a key role in the North London outfit’s run to the UEFA Europa League final.

The striker was in fine form this term as well, having scored 20 goals in 32 matches, until all footballing action was suspended due to Coronavirus. But, this could very well turn out to be Aubameyang’s last season with the Gunners.

Aubameyang has just one year left on his contract with Arsenal. Moreover, there is unlikely to be European football on offer at the Emirates next season, leading to speculations surrounding the 30-year-old's future at the club.

In case, Aubameyang does end up leaving the club before next season, here is who Arsenal should look to replace him with, keeping in mind that they are unlikely to offer European football and would be operating on a tight budget as a result.

Moussa Dembele (Lyon)

The former Fulham starlet has made a huge name for himself since leaving England in 2016. Having joined Scottish giants Celtic, Moussa Dembele plundered 51 goals in 94 matches in two years for the club, helping them to a consecutive domestic treble.

Dembele then forced a move back to his homeland in 2018, signing for Olympique Lyon and has carried on in the same vein of form. Having scored 20 times in his debut season, Dembele has already surpassed his tally from last term, bagging 22 goals and assisting 7 more in 42 matches in all competitions.

At just 23, the striker has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with and is being chased who’s who of Europe. Pace, power, finishing abilities, Dembele has it all and is also well-versed with the demands of European football. Someone worth definitely worth taking a punt on for Arsenal.

Odsonne Edouard (Celtic)

A graduate of the PSG youth academy, Odsonne Edouard moved to Celtic in 2017, initially on loan, before making the move permanent a year later. And the 22-year-old has overtaken the responsibility of being the club’s leading goalscorer since Dembele’s departure a couple of years ago.

Till date, Edouard has scored 60 goals in 126 matches for the Hoops, and is enjoying his most prolific campaign this time out. So far in 2019-20, the Frenchman has already netted 27 goals in 45 games, while setting up 19 more for his teammates, highlighting his ability to score and create in equal measure.

A player similar in style to Dembele, Edouard has a much more imposing physical stature and should be well-suited to the Premier League and is being targeted by a number of top-flight clubs, including Everton. The 22-year-old has also shone in the Europa League this season and all signs are showing that he is ready for the next step in his career.

Jonathan David (Gent)

The 20-year-old might not be that well-known a name among most football fans, but young Jonathan David has been making huge waves in the Belgian top-flight, blowing defences away with his sensational attacking play.

The Canadian striker signed for Gent in January 2018 and has since grown into a pivotal member of the team, enjoying his best season till date in 2019-20. In 40 games this term, David has amassed excellent returns of 23 goals and 18 assists across all competitions. At just 20 years of age, he is a full international for the Canadian national team, scoring 11 goals in only 12 matches.

A versatile operator, David can play as a centre-forward or even slot in as a No. 10, while he has also been used on the flanks on occasions. Given the young and dynamic nature of Arsenal’s attack, David could thrive playing alongside the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah et al.

Alfredo Morelos (Rangers)

Another player who has been carving out quite a reputation for himself in Scottish football, Rangers�?striker Alfredo Morelos has been in lethal form in front of goal for a number of years now. Having joined the Gers in 2017 from Finnish club HJK Helsinki, the 23-year-old has already amassed 77 goals in 137 matches and was the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership last season.

Morelos has once again been exceptional this term as well, banging in 29 goals and chalking up 10 assists in 46 games. Fourteen of his goals this season have come in the Europa League (qualifiers included), indicating his pedigree. El Bufalo also has made six appearances for the Colombian national team, scoring one goal.

Morelos has had a history of disciplinary problems and temperamental issues in the past, but there is no denying his obvious talent in front of goal. And, considering how brilliantly he has performed in Europe this season, the Colombian international is surely worth taking a look for Arsenal.

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

What if Arsenal already have the right person to take over from Aubameyang in their squad? Indeed, Gabriel Martinelli, at a tender age of 18, has proven himself more than capable of donning the main marksman’s role for Arsenal this season. And should he continue in the same way, the Gunners might not need to look outside to replace their captain.

Martinelli signed for Arsenal only last summer and has had an impactful debut campaign in England. In 26 appearances so far, the Brazilian forward has scored 10 goals and set up 4 more. While he hasn’t gotten a whole lot of opportunities to start matches in the Premier League, the teenager has made the most of his chances in the Europa League, showing that he is unfazed by any challenge.

Able to play on the left or through the centre, Martinelli has already displayed good understanding with his attacking partners at Arsenal and that should only grow with time. Given a chance, the Brazilian could have the same kind of impact that Marcus Rashford has had at Arsenal’s rivals Manchester United.

Feature image courtesy: AFP/ IAN KINGTON 

Arsenal teenager Gabriel Martinelli scored twice to spark a 4-0 rout of Standard Liege in the Europa League group stage on Thursday, while Manchester United stuttered to a goalless draw against AZ Alkmaar.

Martinelli, 18, headed in superbly to give last year's runners-up Arsenal the lead on 14 minutes at the Emirates Stadium before adding a quick-fire second barely two minutes later.

The Brazilian was making just his second start for the Gunners since joining the club in July. He also struck twice on his full debut against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup.

Joe Willock fired in a third for a youthful Arsenal on 22 minutes and Martinelli set up Dani Ceballos on the hour to wrap up another comfortable win in Europe as Unai Emery's side moved on to six points at the top of Group F.

Arsenal are three points clear of both Standard and Eintracht Frankfurt, who beat Vitoria Guimaraes 1-0 in Portugal.

Another win
Another three points
Another clean sheet

#UEL

�?Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 3, 2019

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United again struggled in attack and failed to muster a single shot on target with the club still searching for a first away win since March.

United are winless in 10 games away from home -- a run that has seen them score just five times.

"The conditions were tough, but I thought we did very well. It puts us in a good position," said Solskjaer. 

"If you get your draws away from home and win the home games, you'll be fine."

Academy product Brandon Williams was handed his first start for United, who saw teenager Mason Greenwood denied by a superb block from Ron Vlaar on 30 minutes.

The game was played in The Hague, on an artificial surface described as "one of the worst" by Solskjaer, after a storm damaged Alkmaar's home ground in August.

Stonewall penalty

United rarely threatened with substitute Jesse Lingard firing wide although Solskjaer reacted in disbelief when Marcus Rashford appeared to be chopped down in the penalty area.

"It's a penalty 101 times out of 100," said the Norwegian.

Owen Wijndal and Oussama Idrissi forced David de Gea into a couple of smart saves late on as the draw left United level on four points in Group L with Partizan Belgrade, who won 2-1 away to Astana.

Our second #UEL game of the season ends in a stalemate. #MUFC

�?Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 3, 2019

Steven Gerrard's Rangers conceded an injury-time goal in a 2-1 loss at Swiss side Young Boys.

Colombian forward Alfredo Morelos put Rangers ahead just before half-time, but Young Boys levelled through Roger Assale and Christian Fassnacht grabbed a 93rd-minute winner.

Feyenoord claimed a 2-0 home victory over Porto in a clash of former European champions in the other match in Group G.

Celtic gained a degree of revenge on CFR Cluj, the Romanians who ousted them in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, as Odsonne Edouard and Mohamed Elyounoussi scored in a 2-0 win in Glasgow.

Wolves, in their first European campaign since 1980, rebounded from an opening loss to Braga as Willy Boly's stoppage-time goal earned them a 1-0 win at Besiktas.

"It's huge for us. We don't want to make up the numbers, we want to compete to win," said Wolves captain Conor Coady.

Espanyol forward Wu Lei became the first Chinese man to score in a major European competition as his side beat CSKA Moscow 2-0.

Team of the day = #UEL pic.twitter.com/3QBznrWVOh

�?UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 3, 2019

Austrian debutants Wolfsberg drew 1-1 at home to Roma in Group J, while Javier Hernandez grabbed the only goal as five-time champions Sevilla overcame APOEL of Cyprus.

Azerbaijani club Qarabag beat Dudelange 4-1 in a game that was interrupted in the first half when a drone carrying a flag from the disputed separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh flew over the pitch in Luxembourg.

PSV Eindhoven defeated Rosenborg 4-1, while Lazio came from behind to beat Rennes 2-1.

Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Glyn Kirk