Arsenal face one of their toughest challenges on Wednesday as they get ready to host Manchester City at the Emirates, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.
The Gunners do have the upper hand as they can take some comfort in the fact that they have one game in hand. But a City win would have severe psychological ramifications for the title race and that is one thing the hosts would be looking to avoid.
Aaron Ramsdale will have a busy night in goal as he comes up against one of the best attacks in the league. There likely won’t be any changes at the back with Ben White starting on the right and Alex Zinchenko on the left.
William Saliba only played one half the last time these two teams met but will have to be alert whether he is up against Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland. The Frenchman will be with his usual partner Gabriel.
Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka will have time to set the tempo for the hosts and they need to make use of it. With their experience they need to ensure that the north Londoners get a good platform from which the attack can play with freedom.
Both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will play an important role as their pace and directness are a real threat for City. If these two, aided by Martin Odegaard can move the ball quickly, it will make things very difficult for the visitors. The wings could be the area where the game is won and lost.
Eddie Nketiah needs to be at his clinical best as he will probably not get too many opportunities to score from. Whatever comes his way needs to be put away. The movement and sharpness of the forward is going to be a thorn in the City defence.
Arsenal have slipped up a little and another draw or defeat will surely set the alarm bells ringing. As for City, they have a clear objective and that makes their task that much easier. Getting the better of Pep Guardiola is not easy so three points will mean a lot.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Manchester City (4-2-3-1):
Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Alex Zinchenko, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah
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