Arsenal vs Manchester City

It's second versus third at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night as Arsenal and Manchester City lock horns in what promises to be an enthralling Premier League encounter.

The second-placed Gunners boast an impressive home record this season, with their defeat to West Ham United on the opening day of the campaign the only blemish on their record.

The Citizens, meanwhile, have struggled on the road of late, recording two defeats and two draws in their last four away fixtures. Despite City's dip in form, they remain just one point shy of Arsenal in the Premier League standings.

In team news, Arsenal will hand a late fitness test to forward Alexis Sanchez, who recently returned to training following a hamstring strain.

Midfielder Mikel Arteta is also hoping to be involved after recovering from a calf problem, but Jack Wilshere, Francis Coquelin, Danny Welbeck, Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky remain on the sidelines.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is another player who is facing a race against time ahead of Monday's crunch clash.

The Argentina international has been nursing a heel injury, which has kept him on the treatment table for the Citizens' last four fixtures, and manager Manuel Pellegrini could be tempted to risk him against the Gunners.

However, the injured quartet of Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando and Samir Nasri will play no part in the fixture.