Dowman Set to Face Manchester City as Saka Remains Sidelined

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Max Dowman is ready to start against Manchester City if needed, following the news that Bukayo Saka will miss the match due to injury. Saka has been out of action since the Carabao Cup final last month and Arteta has revealed that he will not be available for the crucial clash at the Etihad Stadium. Meanwhile, Arteta is hopeful that Noni Madueke will be fit to play despite suffering a knee injury in the midweek meeting with Sporting. Dowman, who became the youngest scorer in Premier League history with his goal against Everton in March, has impressed across 11 senior appearances this season and Arteta has expressed his confidence in the 16-year-old's ability to deliver. "He will be ready, I am sure," Arteta said. "You throw him into any context, this kid, and you know what he will be delivering." The Arsenal manager also rejected suggestions that his team could play for a draw, insisting that they will prepare to win and reopen their nine-point lead. "It is certainly the most important game, as it is the next one," he said. "We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging. With the possibility to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and manager that this league has ever seen." Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also spoken about the match, accepting that his team's title bid will be finished if they lose to Arsenal. "Obviously, if we lose it's over," Guardiola said. "But there are still games to play. The reality is there are seven games left for us in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment."