Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal have found it hard in recent times to accumulate points in the domestic league and they face a tough task right after the international break when Manchester City travel to the Emirates for a top-of-the-table clash in the Premier League this weekend. The Citizens are in decent form going into this game and though they only took a point from their home game against Liverpool in the last round, they are in decent shape and will like their chance of taking all three points from this tie.
Pep Guardiola has a few injuries to worry about ahead of this game but he should go with a fairly strong side for this game. Both teams have some quality players ready to take on each other but who will Manchester City need at their best for this weekend? Here are three Manchester City players who could be effective against the Gunners in this tie:
Sergio Aguero:
Obviously, the biggest threat for Arsenal in this game will be the Argentine striker Sergio Aguero who has been in decent form of late. He is a capable goal scorer who can make things happen and will be up against the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi at the back for Arsenal and will hope to get the better of them.
He has had a decent time against Wenger’s side in the past and though he may not be at his best, Manchester City will need him to be alert to possibilities of hurting the Arsenal defence in this game. Surely, he is one of the most important players for City in this game.
Raheem Sterling:
The former Liverpool man was not productive against the Reds in the previous round but he is one of the most important players for Guardiola this season. He is expected to start on the right-flank, to take on Nacho Monreal, who showed a weakness against Sadio Mane in the previous game.
Sterling has the pace to burn and will get beyond Monreal on a number of occasions on the night but it will be important for him to keep his head down and play the perfect pass in the final third to keep his team in the hunt. He will have to play a major role if City are to take all three points from this tie.
Sterling has pace to burn and will get beyond Monreal on a number of occasions on the night but it will be important for him to keep his head down and play the perfect pass in the final third to keep his team in the hunt. He will have to play a major role if City are to take all three points from this tie.
John Stones:
The English defender had a productive outing in the international break and he should partner Nicolas Otamendi in this tie. Stones has shown a slight weakness in recent games and there are very few people who can exploit it better than one Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal.
The Chilean had a forgettable time in the break but he will be at it against City at the Emirates and Stones need to be at his best to keep him away from danger. Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud may also play a role in this game and Stones need to be charged up for all game to give his side at least a point.
