Premier League this is season is an open contest! Every team is here to pull off a miracle and predicting the final table is the most difficult task. But has Manchester City finally ended the conversation? Calling Pep’s boys to be favorites for title race is not wrong but crowning them as definite champions will be injustice to the surprises this season holds for. Spoiling their ambitions will require a hurdle to their winning streak and no one is better than their own Mikel Arteta to be the one.
City and Arsenal lock horns this weekend and Arteta could do a favor to the whole league by getting better of his former boss and players. But what XI can he put up to get better off the team who are being considered as the unbeatables?
MUST READ: Arsenal vs Manchester City: Match Preview
Here is how we think Arsenal might line-up:
FORMATION
Although switching to a back 5 might be the obvious choice to defend against one of the best attacks, a more attacking approach might help Arteta pull off the unexpectable. ‘Attack is the best form of Defense’ could be the key for Arsenal in this clash.
DEFENSE
Leno’s presence will be crucial between the sticks and despite being the goal keeper, he might be one of the busiest players on the pitch. He will be further guarded by a returning Tierney on the left alongside experience holders- Luiz, Holding and Bellerin completing the back 4. It will require something more than perfection from each of the four to stop the ruthless City poachers. Also the return of Tierney in the starting XI will add the extra flair Arsenal needs from the back.
MIDFIED
With Partey being a doubt, Xhaka will be expected to pull off one of his most spectacular performances, something he has already done this season against big teams. He will be joined by Dani Ceballos in the pivot. Both of them will have to be on their toes to stop the attacking midfielders of City. The further 3 attacking threats behind the striker will be crucial for Arsenal and a very young energetic trio could be a gamble that might help open City defense. Starting Smith-Rowe, Odegaard and Saka might look a very bad option but this might be the best opportunity for all highly potential players to prove their metal to the league.
ATTACK
Aubameyang has lived it all this week, After an impressive hat-trick scoring performance in the league to being criticized of being one of the reasons of team’s lack lustre performance against Benfica in the Europa league. He will hope to forget the Thursday night and continue his League performance and maybe inspire his team to one of the biggest wins of the season. Backed by a young 3, he can lead the team and his few ambitious runs could turn results in their favor.
Arsenal Predicted XI vs Man City: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Tierney; Xhaka, Ceballos, Saka, Odegaard, Smith-Rowe; Aubameyang
