Star Returns – Strongest 3-4-2-1 Arsenal Lineup To Face Manchester City In The FA Cup

Predicted Arsenal Lineup To Face Manchester City In FA Cup

After a satisfying victory over Middlesbrough in the league, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are back in the race to the top-4 but their final shot at success this season lies in their game against Manchester City this weekend. The Gunners face Pep Guardiola’s side in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley in what could be a thrilling encounter in one of the biggest stages in English football.

Wenger cannot afford to go trophy-less this season and will set out his strongest squad to try and get the work done. They beat Lincoln City in the previous round of the competition and will hope to put in a similar performance this weekend.

Here is the predicted lineup that Wenger might field on the night:

Team News:

Shkodran Mustafi missed the previous game with an injury but should be back in action for this tie. David Ospina, Lucas Perez, and Santi Cazorla are all ruled out for this game.

Possible Arsenal Starting XI:

Manager: Arsene Wenger

Formation: 3-4-2-1

GK – Petr Cech

With David Ospina still not fully fit, Petr Cech should keep his place in between the sticks on the night at Wembley.

CB – Laurent Koscielny

The French defender had a superb game against Boro and he will be up against the likes of Aguero this weekend and will hope to have a similar game.

CB – Shkodran Mustafi

The German centre-back missed the previous game through injury. Rob Holding, who took his place did a splendid job but Mustafi should be back in the starting XI for this crunch tie.

CB – Gabriel

The Brazilian was solid against Middlesbrough and that would have helped his confidence a lot. He should start as the third defender in Wenger’s new lineup.

RM – Oxlade-Chamberlain

Oxlade-Chamberlain was on fire against Middlesbrough and was easily the best player for Arsenal on Monday night. He will certainly start on the right-hand side of the midfield in this exciting 3-4-2-1 setup against City.

CM – Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey is easily the first choice for Wenger when he is fit. Though he has not been at his best recently, he should start this game to add some fluidity to the Arsenal midfield.

CM – Granit Xhaka

The physical presence of Granit Xhaka in the midfield might allow Arsenal to dominate this area of the pitch at Wembley this weekend.

LM – Nacho Monreal

The Spanish full-back had a comfortable night against Boro but he will be tested against the likes of Silva and Sane.

CAM – Mesut Ozil

The German playmaker was on target in the victory on Monday and will have to be at his best if Arsenal are to move into the finals of the competition.

CAM – Alexis Sanchez

The Chilean winger will be the biggest threat to Manchester City and if he is kept quiet, Guardiola’s side have a great chance of winning this tie.

ST – Danny Welbeck

Olivier Giroud had an unproductive night at the Riverside which should see Danny Welbeck lead the attack for Arsenal at Wembley.

Here is how they would line up: