Arsenal are hosting Manchester City for their Premier League fixture at the Emirates on Thursday night. The Gunners are coming off an embarrassing loss in the Carabo Cup final against the visitors themselves.
Is it going to be a repetition of the Sunday game? Arsene Wenger certainly does not hope so as his side got completely swept aside 3-0. The Citizens breezed past them with a dominant display while Arsenal failed to perform up to their own standards.
The Premier League table is far apart in terms of the title challenge from both sides. While Manchester City are breezing through with a 13-point lead at the top, the North London side is struggling to break into the top 4.
Arsenal’s only chance of making a return to the Champions League is by winning the Europa League but after the 1-2 loss to Ostersunds FK things are looking less and less hopeful. Arsene Wenger’s job has come under heavy scrutiny with a plethora of managers being linked to the club as the Frenchman’s potential replacement.
However, Wenger is still focused on getting the best out of the season and is hoping to improve upon his 6th place finish from last season.
Even though Manchester City does not have much to lose from this game, they will be reluctant to just let Arsenal walk over them at the Emirates. Wenger will have to take a different approach in terms of tactics to get the maximum points.
Arsene Wenger is expected to field his team in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Defence
Petr Cech is the first-option who has played the majority of the league games this season. He should get the nod for this tie ahead of David Ospina.
Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi are expected to pair up in the centre-back roles. Sead Kolasinac might provide cover from the left with Hector Bellerin on the right.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka is the predicted starter in the holding midfield position alongside Jack Wilshere.
Aaron Ramsey can make a substitute appearance if required. The Welshman sat out the last 3 games with a groin injury but is expected to make a comeback in this game.
Mesut Ozil is expected to take up the attacking midfield role. The German should get flanked by
Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Attack
Alexandre Lacazette has undergone knee surgery and has been ruled out for 6 weeks. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will have to resume his duties in the number nine position with Danny Welbeck still struggling with his form.
