Arsenal enter the new year in good form and with a few extra days of rest, they get ready to host Manchester City at the Emirates, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup?
After a comfortable win over Norwich City on Boxing Day, the Gunners have 35 points at the halfway stage of the season. They are now four points clear of West Ham United but others such as Tottenham and Manchester United have games in hand.
Aaron Ramsdale has been brilliant in goal and would be keen to add another clean sheet to his collection. With Tomiyasu testing positive for COVID before the last match, it is not known if he can play. Having the Japanese defender back in the team would be a big boost. Kieran Tierney will take his place as the left back and will look to continue his impressive form.
Where Ben White ends up playing will depend on who the north Londoners have deployed as a right back. If there is no one available, it could see the Englishman start there once again. Gabriel is going to be one of the centre backs and there is a chance that the Brazilian could be partnered with Rob Holding.
The Gunners have been boosted by the news that Thomas Partey will be available for this game. He would partner Granit Xhaka in what is going to be the midfielder’s last game before heading to the AFCON. These two need to be careful in ensuring the City attackers do not get much joy.
Given how well the attack has been performing, it is unlikely that Arteta will make any changes here. All three of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli have been brilliant over the last few weeks. If they can combine as well as they have been doing, it increases the hosts’ chances of winning.
Alexandre Lacazette is another player who has impressed in the past few games. His ability to hold the ball and bring others into the game is crucial for Arsenal to think of a win. The north Londoners will enter this match with a lot of confidence and getting a positive result could be huge going forward.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Manchester City (4-2-3-1):
Aaron Ramsdale, Rob Holding, Ben White, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Alexandre Lacazette
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