Predicted Arsenal Line-up To Face Manchester City In The Premier League
The stage is all set for a colossal entertainer as Arsenal travel to the Etihad stadium to take on Pep Guardiola’s high-flying Manchester City. After a dismal stalemate against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League, Arsenal fans will be hoping for a strong fight from their team.
All eyes will be on Alexis Sanchez as the Chilean star has been heavily linked with City and he could complete the move in January. However, Arsene Wenger will be hoping his main man focuses during the game as a part of the Gunners’ front three. The Gunners played a second string team in the Europa League match, so their key players will be raring to go against City.
Team News
Sead Kolasinac is expected to be fit after he picked up an injury last weekend against Swansea. Shkodran Mustafi and Danny Welbeck continue to be out, but they are likely to return after the international break. Calum Chambers is likely to be available along with David Ospina, who is back available as well. Besides that, there are no fresh injury concerns for Wenger.
Possible Playing XI
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Formation: 3-4-3
Petr Cech (GK)
After Matt Macey’s strong display in the Europa League game, Cech is expected to return in goal since the Gunners will need an experienced personnel to neutralise Manchester City’s threats.
Laurent Koscielny (CB)
Koscielny will be a key factor in facing the brunt of City’s attacks even though he failed to do much against Swansea. With that being said, he is known for bouncing back stronger and this match will present him the perfect opportunity to do so.
Per Mertesacker (CB)
Mertesacker’s intelligence and experience will prove to be handy but then his reflex actions will have to be extremely sharp to handle City’s sudden attacks.
Nacho Monreal (CB)
Interestingly, Monreal has made about 22 interceptions in the new season so far, making him a strong candidate to tackle City.
Hector Bellerin (RWB)
Bellerin is likely to be deployed in his usual role at right wing-back. Considering how efficient City are at both ends of the field, he will be tasked with attempting to dominate his side of the field.
Granit Xhaka (CM)
Chaka has been having a difficult season but he should start nevertheless. Wenger will expect him to give his best in order to stop City’s unbeaten run.
Aaron Ramsey (CM)
Ramsey has his ups and downs but he has been doing quite well of late. He recently scored his 50th goal for Arsenal, and the player will be looking to maintain the momentum.
Sead Kolasinac (LWB)
Easily one of Arsenal’s most influential players, the game against City will prove to be a real test for Kolasinac. He has been dominating his side of the field in a lot of games for the Gunners but it remains to be seen if he can maintain that at the Etihad.
Mesut Ozil (RW)
He made a slow start to the season but in the last few games, it seems like he is adjusting fairly well and his creativity will be key for Arsenal’s attacking display.
Alexis Sanchez (LW)
Possibly set to play against his future employers, Sanchez will undoubtedly be at the centre of all attention. However, the player’s contributions will be crucial for the Gunners if they are to succeed.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The French striker will be up against a resilient City defence but if he can get things going, the home side could find themselves in trouble.