Team News: Mario Balotelli starts for Manchester City

Mario Balotelli will partner Sergio Aguero in attack for Manchester City's trip to Arsenal this afternoon.

Doubts had been raised over the Italian's participation following recent revelations over his private life.

Elsewhere in the lineup, Joleon Lescott has come in at centre-back following a spell on the sidelines.

Yossi Benayoun will play in an advanced role for hosting Arsenal, meaning that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will start on the bench.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs; Song, Arteta, Rosicky; Benayoun, Walcott, Van Persie

Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Clichy, Kompany, Lescott; Yaya Toure, Barry, Milner, Nasri; Aguero, Balotelli