Arsenal get set to face Manchester City once again in FA Cup semis this weekend, and the stakes will be much higher this time. The Gunners have a rich history in the tournament as they have already won the competition 12 times, and no matter how poor their away form has been, Wembley always seems to be a positive venue for them.
The tournament has been extremely kind to the North-London club so far, this season with them facing the likes of Preston North End, Southampton, Sutton United and Lincoln City. And City will be their first challenge.
Defence
Petr Cech will start under the bar. The former Czech international was a much-needed injury boost for the Gunners in the last game prior to which Wenger had to deploy the third choice Emiliano Martinez in that role. The 34-year-old shot-stopper will be a huge assurance for the Gunners as compared to their opponents.
The newly-formed back three looked shaky against Boro for obvious reasons and we expect a more concrete display from them against City. Arsenal were without Shkodran Mustafi last game and Gabriel looked nervous in the new role. The German international is racing against time to be ready for the game from his thigh strain and we expect him to make it.
Rob Holding did an astounding job at the back despite starting in the Premier League so rarely. Quite like Mustafi, Holding has some dribbling and passing attributes, which makes the back three immensely effective. Mustafi and Holding alongside Koscielny could be a brilliant combination.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had a man of the match display against Boro as the right wing-back and Hector Bellerin isn’t expected to replace him anytime soon. Nacho Monreal was the best among Arsenal’s defenders last time though it was his lapse which led Stuart Downing to cross the ball for Boro’s equaliser.
Midfield
Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka had a decent game in the midfield although the defensive contributions took a hit. Playing Francis Coquelin could improve it defensively but the Frenchman doesn’t possess the flair and vision of Ramsey in the attacking third. Mohamed Elneny could be another viable option in the midfield, but Wenger’s likeness for the Welshman should keep him up in the pecking order.
Attack
We expect Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to start as the two attacking midfielders. Ozil was kept in the deep midfield last time and it was impactful no doubt, but Arsenal will need their best players to be high on the pitch all the time.
Danny Welbeck was unfit for the last game and like Mustafi will be going late fitness test before the game.
