Arsenal head coach Unai Emery is ready hand Denis Suarez his debut at Manchester City, despite only just signing the Spaniard.
The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium after a unspectacular transfer window saw them recruit Suarez on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old, who made one senior appearance for City during an earlier spell at the club, was the only arrival for Arsenal – who were hamstrung by being restricted to just loan signings.
The loan deal includes the option to sign Suarez full-time in the summer as the Spain international links up with Emery again having played under his compatriot at Sevilla.
“I will make my decision tomorrow but if he starts I have confidence in him,” Emery said when asked if Suarez would go straight into the Arsenal team on Sunday.
“I know the player and he started to train individually yesterday. Today he was with the group. It’s good, his adaptation has been quick.
“He’s a player with quality and I think he can help us with his quality, and also his ambition to do something important here. It’s a good challenge for him to help us.”
Victory for Manchester City would see them close within two points of league leaders Liverpool – who travel to West Ham a day later.
Pep Guardiola’s side were Emery’s first opponents in English football as they ruined his debut by winning 2-0 at Arsenal in August.
Emery is expecting another difficult test but insists his players are keen to show their abilities against such a strong opponent.
“It will be a tough match – we are playing against the best,” he added.
“Now, with Liverpool, they are doing a very big Premier League this season. Maybe they have lost some matches but that is an accident.
“When they are home for us it is difficult. But we want to show everybody we can play. Every player has a big ambition to show their best quality.”