Alexis Sanchez vs Fernandinho
This will unarguably be the most crucial battle of the fixture, which might determine the outcome to a large extent. The Chilean has always found the Sky Blues to be a favourable opponent since joining the North-London outfit. Arsenal have won four out of the seven fixtures against City with Sanchez starting.
Sanchez has netted 18 times in the league so far, assisting 10 times, proving the club just why he is worth every penny of the wage he is apparently demanding. And given how demanding Arsenal fans have been of the board agreeing to his wage demands, there is every chance that the club might part ways with Arsene Wenger than with Sanchez.
And to City’s misfortune, there is a high chance that Guardiola has to deploy a team without both the natural right-backs Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta. Sanchez’s tricks and turns and tremendous work rate could prove too much for Fernandinho, who is a defensive midfielder by nature. The Brazilian didn’t have the best of seasons so far with certain disciplinary anomalies keeping him off the field. And with Sanchez’s ability to frustrate defenders, there is a high chance of a similar scenario arising.
Sergio Aguero vs Laurent Koscielny
Easily the best striker on his day, Sergio Aguero will definitely be the biggest threat to Arsenal’s nervy defence. The Argentine has been directly involved in nine goals in Manchester City’s last 10 games and if he gets going, any slim chances of Arsenal winning the game is pretty much over.
However, his inconsistency will be a big advantage for the Gunners at the back. Aguero has netted 13 goals so far in 22 league appearances. Arsene Wenger will have his reliable centre-half Laurent Koscielny take cover for him. The Gunners’ defence has been significantly dependent on the Frenchman’s presence. And the fact that he is fit to start is a big boost for the manager. With no aerial threats as such to deal with in this fixture, Koscielny’s game reading abilities will be tested to the limit.
Raheem Sterling vs Kieran Gibbs
Easily the most impactful player in Arsenal’s defeat to City at Etihad Stadium in the reverse fixture, the agile winger can cause huge problems yet again. He has netted 6 goals this season assisting 10 times so far.
Nacho Monreal was a disaster in the last game defending against Sterling as his aged legs couldn’t keep up with his pace. The manager is likely to stick with Gibbs this time. He could definitely match his pace on that left flank with the England international.
