After an incredible run of 14 unbeaten games, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal were beaten this week at the Goodison Park as Ronald Koeman’s men frustrated the Gunners by taking all three points and pushed them down the points table. The manager will know that he will have to get back to winning ways this weekend to stay in the title race but they face an even more daunting task as they travel to the Etihad to face Guardiola’s side on Sunday. Manchester City are also fresh from a victory over Watford but they have picked up just three points from the last three games as Wenger will look to exploit their shortcomings in this game. Here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this game:
Here is the predicted lineup that he might field for this game:
Team News:
Arsenal will still be without the services of Shkodran Mustafi, Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck, Mathieu Debuchy and Santi Cazorla for this game at the Etihad. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey missed the last two games for the side and is facing a race to fitness ahead of this game.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Petr Cech:
One of the most experienced shot stoppers in the League at the moment, Cech has been superb for Arsenal this season and will start this game for his side.
Hector Bellerin:
The Spaniard has bounced back after from his injury and he is a regular starter for Arsenal in the Premier League including this game.
Laurent Koscielny:
The backbone of the Arsenal defence, Koscielny has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league and he should step up in this game in the absence of Mustafi.
Gabriel Paulista:
The injuries to the German centre-back will see Gabriel slot in alongside Koscielny for this game against Manchester City.
Nacho Monreal:
The first choice full-back for Wenger on the left, Monreal should keep his place in the side for this game after impressive performances recently.
Francis Coquelin:
Had an off day against Everton but should keep his place in the midfield of the side to provide his back-4 with some cover at the Etihad this weekend.
Granit Xhaka:
The Swiss international has not been able to cement a place in the side yet under Wenger, but he should start this game against City to add some mettle to Arsenal’s midfield.
Theo Walcott:
Slowly losing some form, the English winger has not been at his best in the last few games and Wenger will need him at his best to take all three points from this game.
Mesut Ozil:
Enjoying one of his most productive seasons already, Ozil will have to be on his best if they are to break City’s defence on the night at the Etihad.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain:
Having shown some explosive form recently, Chamberlain has been an impact player for the Gunners this season and he should start this game against Manchester City.
Alexis Sanchez:
The top goal scorer in the league alongside Costa, Sanchez has been one of the best players in the league this season and should keep his place in the side for this game as a false-9.