Arsenal have the chance to leapfrog third-placed Manchester United who do not play until the evening when Sir Alex Ferguson's men face Aston Villa who won 0-2 at the Emriates last time out
City have never scored more than one goal in any of their 22 Premier League matches against Arsenal and will be chasing only their second Premier League victory over Arsenal.
The Gunners have won eight and lost one of their last nine top-flight matches at City who have lost more matches (18) and dropped more points (60) to Arsenal than to any other club in the Premier League.
Captain Richard Dunne, midfielder Gelson Fernandes and striker Danny Sturridge could all return to Manchester City's squad.
Dunne and Fernandes have both completed one-match bans for their red cards against Tottenham a fortnight ago, while Sturridge has returned to training following three weeks out with an ankle injury.
However, Fernandes faces a late fitness check after coming off during Switzerland's midweek friendly win over Finland, while manager Mark Hughes could also add another goalkeeper to his squad as cover for the injured Joe Hart if he can make a suitable loan signing.
Arsenal forward Robin van Persie returns from suspension for the trip to Manchester City but midfielder Cesc Fabregas serves a one-match ban.
Kolo Toure (calf) is doubtful, while Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Emmanuel Eboue (knee) are on the sidelines along with long-term absentees Tomas Rosicky (knee) and Eduardo (ankle).
Emmanuel Adebayor only returned from his ankle complaint last week so will require assessment before a decision is made.
William Gallas has been dropped and stripped of the Arsenal captaincy, the outspoken defender has paid the price for his verbal attack on his Arsenal team-mates and will not appear in Saturday's trip to Manchester City.
Manchester City: Schmeichel, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, Kompany, Ireland, Mwaruwari, Robinho, Vassell, Fernandes, Ben-Haim, Jo, Onuoha, Ball, Hamann, Elano, Sturridge, Evans.
Arsenal: Almunia, Diaby, Sagna, Nasri, Denilson, Silvestre, Clichy, Bendtner, Vela, Ramsey, Song, Djourou, Fabianski, Adebayor, van Persie, Wilshere, Simpson.
Possible Full Time Score: Manchester City 2 Arsenal 2
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