Predicted Manchester City Lineup To Face Arsenal
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have not had a successful season but he has a shot at silverware when his side take on a struggling Arsenal side in the FA Cup this weekend. The Gunners beat Middlesbrough in their previous game in the league but have been in miserable form since the turn of the year. Guardiola will believe that his side have a great chance to move to the finals of the competition. The duo is also in a battle for a place in the top-4 in the points table, and this game could be an interesting demo for the battle in the league as well.
Guardiola will believe that his side have a great chance to move to the finals of the competition. The duo are also in a battle for a place in the top-4 in the points table, and this game could be an interesting demo for the battle in the league as well.
Here is the predicted lineup that Guardiola might trust to get the work done at Wembley:
Team News:
Ilkay Gundogan remains sidelined for the rest of the season but youngster Gabriel Jesus is back in training ahead of this tie. However, it is unlikely that he will play any role in this game. Bacary Sagna is also ruled out while John Stones, who missed the previous game, is expected to be back in action for this tie. Winger Raheem Sterling is also closing in on a first-team return and might find a place on the bench.
Probable Manchester City XI:
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Formation: 3-4-3
GK – Claudio Bravo
Though Caballero has been decent in the last few games, Bravo should be used in this game because of his experience.
RCB – John Stones
The English defender missed the previous game with a niggle but he should be back in action and should start on the right-hand side of the back-3 for Guardiola.
CB – Vincent Kompany
The Belgian defender made a thumping comeback into the first team with a match-winning performance against Southampton and he should start as a sweeper for Manchester City on the night.
LCB – Nicolas Otamendi
The Argentine star has been in excellent form for Manchester City this season and he should start on the left-side of the back-3 for the Citizens in this game.
RM – Leroy Sane
Though Jesus Navas has been played frequently, Leroy Sane has been effective in recent games and he should be used on the right side by Guardiola.
CM – Fernandinho
The Brazilian has done well as the deepest of the midfielders this season but he will be tested against the likes of Ozil and Sanchez on the night.
CM – Yaya Toure
Though not used extensively in recent times, Toure adds mettle to City’s midfield which they might need against an Arsenal side who will go for the kill.
LM – Aleksandar Kolarov
Another player who is finding it hard to get into the first team, Kolarov should be brought back into the squad to add some experience at the back in this game.
RW – David Silva
The Spanish playmaker is one of the best in the league at the moment and he will be the danger man to Arsenal in the final third.
LW– Kevin de Bruyne
The Belgian has also been in decent form of late and will be responsible for creating chances for his team in this crucial tie against the Gunners.
ST – Sergio Aguero
Though Gabriel Jesus is back in training, he is not close to being fully fit and Aguero should lead the attack for City against Arsenal at Wembley.
Here is how they would line up: