Petr Cech has rightly stated that the best way to get over their frustrating defeat against Everton will be to win away at City. Although Etihad has been a difficult place for Arsenal to go and get points, the Gunners have shown signs of title ambitions this time and Wenger expects his team to go all out against an underperforming City side. A win against City will be more of a six-pointer if Arsenal manages to do it.
Defence
Petr Cech will start under the bar. Although he couldn’t do much about the two goals that Arsenal conceded against Everton, his huge experience makes him the most reliable goalie in the league at the moment.
Hector Bellerin will hope to remove whatever is stopping him to perform at his best when he takes his position in the right-back position. Since returning from injury against Stoke City, the Spaniard has looked a bit rusty. The left-back position should be taken by Nacho Monreal. He had a decent game against Everton and looked lethal on the offensive.
Gabriel Paulista will once again partner Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the defence. The French captain had a brilliant show against the Toffees although it didn’t amount to much. Gabriel will definitely have to improve his game against a City side, who will look to exploit the flanks the way they play.
Midfield
The midfield duo of Francis Coquelin and Granit Xhaka is looking quite settled at the moment. The pair had a decent game against Everton, especially Coquelin who provided some dangerous incisive passes in the attacking third. Xhaka too did his job well although his long passes ended up nowhere. He will hope to do better this time.
The central attacking position will once again be taken by Ozil. The German had a disastrous game against Everton. And given his affinity towards poor performances in big games, he is will be expected to pick up his game.
Attack
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott should start on the flanks. Although Walcott was hugely unnoticeable in the game having nil impact on the right wing, Chamberlain looked quite dangerous at times. Chamberlain has taken his chances very well since breaking into the first team in the last few matches and a lot more is expected from him this season.
Alexis Sanchez will start in the number 9 position. He has been the best player for Arsenal so far and the Chilean looks a threat every time he has the ball. For a City defence that has been leaking badly in the last few matches, Sanchez would be a tough player to keep under the lid.
