Mikel Arteta will lock horns with his mentor as Arsenal face Manchester City in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley this weekend. The Gunners are hoping to gain some momentum following a shock 2-1 win over Liverpool in midweek, meaning they are still in the fight for a potential Europa League finish. However, the FA Cup is a priority for the north London giants as Arteta looks to seal his first trophy in his short managerial career.
Manchester City, meanwhile, also have an excellent chance of winning some silverware following a disappointing campaign that saw them concede the title to Liverpool. The Sky Blues have been in good form, though, having secured three back to back wins heading into this fixture. Things could get tricky, though, especially up against his apprentice Arteta this weekend.
Arsenal Vs Manchester City Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Arsenal
Arteta will be well aware of the fact that Manchester City likes to dominate possession, in a much more systematic fashion when compared to Liverpool. Hence, the Spaniard is more than likely to employ a deep-defensive block, hoping to pull off a defensive masterclass. He is expected to retain the 3-4-3, as it could offer better balance in both defence and attack.
Manchester City
Guardiola may just stick to his 4-3-3 instead of trying to mirror Arsenal’s 3-4-3. The Catalan mastermind, instead, will be relying on the individual brilliance as well as the collective combination play from his team to get over the line against an Arsenal side that had defended against Liverpool really well in midweek.
Team News
Arsenal
Eddie Nketiah is suspended for Arsenal this weekend while the likes of Pablo Mari, Calum Chambers and Bernd Leno remain out injured. Arteta did rest a host of his regular starters against Liverpool and could revert those changes as the Gunners look to come out all guns blazing on Sunday.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Martinez; Holding, Luiz, Kolasinac; Bellerin, Xhaka, Ceballos, Tierney; Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
Manchester City
Much like Arteta, Guardiola could also make noticeable changes to his starting eleven. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Rodri and Aymeric Laporte are all expected to be recalled into the team. As far as the injuries are concerned, Sergio Aguero is the only key player out, meaning Gabriel Jesus should once again spearhead the Manchester City attack.
Predicted Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Garcia, Mendy; Gundogan, Rodri, de Bruyne; Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus, Sterling.
Key Men
Arsenal
Alexandre Lacazette has proven to be an excellent offensive outlet for Arsenal since the restart. The Frenchman has shown excellent determination and tenacity, which could make him a menace for the Manchester City defence. He has already netted in his last two Premier League matches. With Arsenal likely to receive very few scoring opportunities, Lacazette is indeed a key man for the north London giants this weekend.
Manchester City
Sterling is one of the most in-form players for Manchester City at the moment. The English international has been involved in a whopping seven goals in his last five matches. Although he failed to provide much productivity against Bournemouth, Sterling would once again be hungry for goals against a leaky Arsenal defence on Sunday.
