The 2-1 loss to Ostersunds did not affect Arsenal’s qualification into the next round of the Europa League this season but they will now turn their attention towards the first shot at silverware this season. Having beaten Chelsea over two fixtures in the semi-finals, the Gunners will now face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley this weekend.
Manchester City, who are running away with the league title, were knocked out of the FA Cup recently and will not want to let this chance of winning a trophy go waste. But Arsene Wenger will need this win to ease some pressure on his position at the Emirates. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
Wenger has not new injury issues to worry about ahead of this tie. Alexandre Lacazette and Santi Cazorla remain sidelined but Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil are both fit for this tie, said the manager. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is cup-tied, having represented Manchester United in the League Cup earlier this season.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defense:
The Frenchman also revealed that David Ospina will be his custodian for this game, in his press conference. The Colombian will be helped by Arsenal’s best CB pairing in Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi. They will have to keep the likes of Sergio Aguero in check if they are to stand a chance in this tie.
Hector Bellerin will have his work cut out on the right flank against Leroy Sane and Wenger might use the experience of Nacho Monreal on the left flank, to keep a check on Raheem Sterling.
Midfield:
Granit Xhaka will have a busy game and needs to be pro-active. His positioning in the middle of the park will be crucial for the Gunners to not only keep City’s attack at bay, but also get themselves close to Ederson’s goal.
Aaron Ramsey was declared fit by Arsene Wenger and should start alongside Jack Wilshere, both of who will take up advanced positions in the midfield. But they will also have a lot of defensive work to do, to add stability to Arsenal’s midfield.
Attack:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should come back into the starting XI after missing out in the Europa League tie. He will hope to get enough service from the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi, who will start on either side of the Gabon international.
Here is the how they might line up:
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