Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Preview and Bettor.com’s Prediction of Starting Eleven of Arsenal. Part II
Continued...
Wenger’s men will be more than confident they can suffice a desired result, with many squad members admitting City do not boast team spirit like the Gunners do.
Here is the probable line-up of Gunners when they will take on Manchester City.
Goalkeeper
Arsenal veteran goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia is still short of fitness, having succumbed to an elbow injury last month. However, Almunia’s Deputy Lukasz Fabianski has performed in a pledging manner for the last four matches and is teeming with confidence.
Meanwhile, Arsenal young gun, Vito Mannone is out on loan until winters with optimisms of restoring himself into the Gunners system. This guarantees that Arsenal young gun Wojciech Szczensy will once again feature in this match as a second choice keeper.
Defenders
The Arsenal backline is once again subsided, with Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny still absent with respective injuries.
However, Vermaelen’s Achilles injury has got worse, and he is not expected to return until next month. This means Arsenal will once again have to depend on their new signing Sebastien Squillaci and the imposing Swiss, Johan Djourou.
The pair has done convincingly in Arsenal's last two matches, and is more than proficient of fulfilling the defensive responsibilities.
Albeit both have to make sure they keep up with the resolute and quick City forward line alongside upholding their domination in the air.
Arsenal veteran right back, Bacary Sagna returns from a thigh injury suffered on international duty. The Arsenal right Ivorian right winger will be back to the bench.
Sagna will have his hands full dealing with the likes of James Milner and David Silva, but Frenchman’s strength and speed blend should be more than useful.
Arsene Wenger’s veteran left back Gael Clichy featured in last two fixtures, which raises the question whether Arsenal manager plans to use his deputy, Gibbs in this crucial fixture.
Midfielders
Arsenal will be boosted by a fully fit skipper and midfield magician Cesc Fabregas, who played for an hour during midweek’s UEFA Champions League fixture. The world cup winner will take the right central role with Alexandre Song taking on his customary defensive
midfield role.
Alex’s role will be essential as the Cameroonian international must make sure he find the right balance between attacking and defending. If Alex Song continues his form, and is able to marshal down the Manchester attack, Arsenal will flourish.
Abou Diaby will start in the left midfield role. The Frenchman’s commanding figure and lanky legs will be a big asset.
Unfortunately due to a red card earned against Birmingham City, Arsenal young gun, Wilshere, who has easily been Arsenal’s best and most regular performer in the opening round, will miss the Manchester City encounter.
Forwards
A tantalizing and tough challenge for the Arsenal front line, as the Manchester City defence is where Arsenal can counter.
Robin van Persie is still out injured with an ankle injury and won’t return until next month. However, Arsenal veteran left winger, Andrei Arshavin, was rested during midweek match and will be recalled to the left wing.
Arsenal’s French playmaker Nasri will start on the right wing alternating with the midfielders.
Arsenal most consistent and new boy, Marouane Chamakh would start at the centre of attack.
Theo Walcott is officially fully fit and received a short cameo mid-week, but is expected to be an impact off the bench rather than as a starter.
Nicklas Bendtner is also fit and is likely to appear on bench and he will also be considered as an impact substitute.
This game is set to be a thrilling, decisive challenge for the Gunners, who are more than capable of defeating the big spenders Manchester City
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