Arsenal will face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at the Wembley Stadium this evening. The Gunners have experienced a mixed set of results since the season restart, but they should go into the Cityzens clash with some confidence after the midweek result.
Mikel Arteta’s side were able to come from behind to beat champions Liverpool by a 2-1 scoreline and the manager will be hoping for another solid defensive display as the club look to cement their berth in the FA Cup final for a record 21st time.
Their recent record against the Cityzens has not been great with seven straight defeats and that includes six losses where they have conceded three goals. Still, a knockout game usually throws the form out of the window and the players need to play at their best to overcome the opposition.
Formation: 3-4-3
Predicted Lineup:
Emiliano Martinez has deputised for Bernd Leno since his injury suffered at Brighton & Hove Albion last month. The Argentine has been in sublime form with a number of key saves in goal and he is expected to start the semi-final. Leno remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a moderate knee sprain.
Arteta should stick with the three-at-the-formation for this game to provide the extra protection to Martinez’s goal. David Luiz will definitely act as the central figure in the backline and we are fancying Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding to feature either side of him.
At left wing-back, Kieran Tierney should get the nod ahead of Bukayo Saka. The Scotland international has been one of Arsenal’s top performers since the restart and his defensive and crossing abilities have caught the eye.
On the opposite end, Hector Bellerin should return to the mix after playing second fiddle to Cedric Soares (cup-tied) against Liverpool. Compared to Tierney, Bellerin has often played in a more defensive role and the same should be the case this evening.
In the centre of the park, Lucas Torreira is likely to make way for the return of Dani Ceballos to the starting XI. The Spaniard is expected to partner Granit Xhaka. Matteo Guendouzi is set to miss out after being sidelined from the game due to an internal issue.
Further forward, Alexandre Lacazette will definitely lead the attack. He has been in fine form over the past four games where he has registered three goals and one assist. Club-captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is an obvious choice on the left-wing.
Reiss Nelson bagged the match-winner against Liverpool in midweek, but he could still drop to the bench with Nicolas Pepe likely to retain his spot ahead of him. The Ivorian should feature in his regular right-wing position.
Predicted Arsenal lineup (3-4-3) vs Manchester City
