Mikel Arteta will use his inside track on Manchester City to try and end Arsenal’s poor Premier League run against his former side – but admits it will still be a challenge to do so.

The Spaniard returns to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday for the first time since quitting as Pep Guardiola’s assistant to take over as head coach of the Gunners in December.

Arsenal have not beaten City in the league since 2015 and have lost the last five meetings, shipping 14 goals and scoring only two.

“The way he’s trying, the way he played even when he wasn’t scoring. He’s always at his best, training, his attitude is top. The same with the others so they all have a chance.”

While Lucas Torreira will miss out with a fractured ankle that could see him miss 10 weeks, Arsenal could be boosted by the return to fitness of two defenders.

Shkodran Mustafi missed the West Ham game after impressing in recent weeks but is in contention following a thigh injury, while Cedric Soares could be involved for the first time since his January loan signing.