Former Arsenal player Ray Parlour wants manager Mikel Arteta to rest key player Thomas Partey when the Gunners face Manchester City in tonight’s FA Cup tie.

Arsenal will clash with Manchester City on Friday night in the FA Cup fourth-round tie at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Parlour believes Arteta should consider leaving Partey, a former Atletico Madrid star, out this evening, especially given his checkered fitness record.

“Man City have more depth in their squad, so whoever he [Mikel Arteta] rotates, you know a quality player is going to come into that position,” Parlour told talkSPORT.

“I think Mikel Arteta will take it seriously, but I do believe he will rest a couple of key players, like Partey."

“It is a difficult one because he didn’t envisage being in this position at the top of the league at this stage of the season.”

He added, “I am not going to get carried away with the league." It was another great result last week against United.

“Tonight, it is all about the team selection.”

The kick-off time for the match is 9 p.m.