Arsenal need Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to step up against Manchester City

Arsenal need Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to step up against Manchester City, with Charlie Nicholas suggesting that the pair “sometimes do not turn up” in big games.

Former Gunners star Nicholas believes a leaky defence will continue to cause problems for interim boss Freddie Ljungberg, while proven frontmen need to prove that they can produce when it matters most.

“We can guarantee goals in this one,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.

“Man City posted an emphatic win midweek but have major problems at the back.

“The Arsenal strikers looked as though they were more up for it and are scoring [in a 3-1 win over West Ham]. Bukayo Saka played his part in the draw at Standard Liege, as did Gabriel Martinelli off the bench - we have some real promising youngsters.

“These are the games that they haven't got a result in and I am not expecting one here.

“Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sometimes do not turn up in these games, if they get picked that is.

“I really have sympathy for Bernd Leno. He is a top-class goalkeeper but he will make mistakes as all goalkeepers do.

“He is playing behind a defence who do not protect him. There will be loads of goals in this