Arsenal are looking to kickstart the new year on a positive note, but things could get tricky as they take on Manchester City on Saturday. Despite their majestic form recently, the Gunners are yet to prove themselves against tough oppositions. And after facing a 5-0 hammering in the reverse fixture, Mikel Arteta’s men have a point to prove when they host the defending champions this weekend.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs Manchester City
Defence
With Mikel Arteta set to miss out on the Manchester City game after contracting COVID, it will be essential that he makes the right calls when it comes to team selection.
Unfortunately, the Spaniard will continue to miss out on the services of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Cedric Soares due to their active COVID-19 cases.
Their absence could force Arteta to continue with Ben White at right-back, while the onus will be on Rob Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes to hold the fort at the heart of the four-man backline.
As for the left-back slot, Kieran Trippier remains a guaranteed starter. The Scot’s leadership will be vital as Arsenal look to maintain their solidity up against the mighty Man City frontline. We are thus expecting a busy evening for Aaron Ramsdale in goal.
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Midfield
In midfield, Arteta should have Thomas Partey available, but perhaps for the last time before the midfielder jets off to Ghana to participate in the African Cup of Nations.
Partey and Granit Xhaka are tipped to retain their role in the double-pivot. Their work ethic could be vital in Arsenal’s second line of press that will look to minimise the ball-progression from the opposition midfielders. Albert Sambi Lokonga is another option for Arteta, in case he looks to shuffle his pack a little.
Attack
As for the attack, we could see Emile Smith Rowe start on the bench again, thus paving the way for Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard to form Arsenal’s creative trifecta alongside the mercurial Bukayo Saka. It will be interesting to see how this young trio takes on the experienced Manchester City defence that has conceded only 12 goals this term.
And finally, the Gunners’ frontline could be led by Alexandre Lacazette. The Frenchman’s experience could be vital in what is a rather inexperienced attacking lineup for the home side this weekend.
