Manchester City defender Micah Richards knows they face a massive test keeping out Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

The Blues right-back is set to face the Gunners after missing the controversial 2-1 defeat at Chelsea with a calf injury and expects the in-form striker to be a handful.

Richards told City's website: "Arsenal didn't have their strongest side out and still played some good football.

"They didn't have Robin van Persie, who is in terrific form now. He'll need watching and we have to make sure we mark him correctly, but he's not the only threat they have in the team.

"But if we're 100 per cent and everyone's up for the game, we can get back to winning ways. It's hard for teams to come here now. With the fans behind us, it's like an extra man."