LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal tackles Sergio Aguero of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on December 21, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Predicted Starters To Face Manchester City
Arsenal head into a crucial game against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday, as both teams look to secure Champions League football and third place.
The two teams are separated by just three points in the table, with just two games left to play. Both the Gunners and City are vying for the coveted third place spot, as they look to secure Champions League football for next season. Arsenal will not want to have to play a qualifier, as many players will likely be recovering from the Euros around the time the matches will be taking place. In other words, this a must win game for Arsenal if they do not want to enter the Champions League the hard way.
Luckily for the Gunners, Arsene Wenger will have a nearly fully-fit squad to choose from for the City game. The most notable player to come back from injury is none other than Jack Wilshere. The Englishman could be ready to start for Arsenal, after making an appearance off the bench in the 0-0 draw against Sunderland a fortnight ago. Per Mertesacker is unlikely to captain Arsenal this week, after he went off injured against Norwich, so Wenger will undoubtedly make some changes to the squad for the City game.
Here is how Arsenal may line up at the Etihad on Sunday:
Petr Cech was key to keeping Arsenal in the game against Norwich, making two important saves against Redmond in the first half. He will need him to give Arsenal a chance to win against City as well, as we know City will do well to make good on their chances.Petr Cech was key to keeping Arsenal in the game against Norwich, making two important saves against Redmond in the first half. He will need him to give Arsenal a chance to win against City as well, as we know City will do well to make good on their chances."
> GK Petr Cech
33, Czech
Hector Bellerin didn’t have the best game against Norwich, often getting overpowered by Olsson on the right hand flank. But he showed why he is in the squad with that impeccable cross to Giroud that led to Welbeck’s winning goal. Given his struggles, Bellerin needs to find his crossing game in time for City.Hector Bellerin didn’t have the best game against Norwich, often getting overpowered by Olsson on the right hand flank. But he showed why he is in the squad with that impeccable cross to Giroud that led to Welbeck’s winning goal. Given his struggles, Bellerin needs to find his crossing game in time for City."
> RB Hector Bellerin
24, Spain
Mertesacker is likely out with a hamstring injury, so Gabriel will slot into his position against City. Not exactly a cause for concern, as Gabriel is better suited to mark Sergio Aguero in the box than his injured teammate.Mertesacker is likely out with a hamstring injury, so Gabriel will slot into his position against City. Not exactly a cause for concern, as Gabriel is better suited to mark Sergio Aguero in the box than his injured teammate."
> CB Gabriel Paulista
5, Brazil
Laurent Koscielny will need all the help he can get against City if Aguero decides to shrug off his goalscoring slump on Sunday. His partnership with Gabriel has produced mixed results this season, so this one could be a toss up.Laurent Koscielny will need all the help he can get against City if Aguero decides to shrug off his goalscoring slump on Sunday. His partnership with Gabriel has produced mixed results this season, so this one could be a toss up."
> CB Laurent Koscielny
6, France
The ever reliable Nacho Monreal was not so dependable at left back in his last game. He left Arsenal exposed at times at the back, which he cannot afford to do against City’s plethora of stars. Arsenal will need Monreal to put in the type of performance that has seen him become a mainstay in the Gunners’ starting XI.The ever reliable Nacho Monreal was not so dependable at left back in his last game. He left Arsenal exposed at times at the back, which he cannot afford to do against City’s plethora of stars. Arsenal will need Monreal to put in the type of performance that has seen him become a mainstay in the Gunners’ starting XI."
> LB Nacho Monreal
18, Spain
Arsenal will need some steel in midfield against a team with much fortitude. So naturally, I would choose Francis Coquelin over Mohamed Elneny for this game. It will be important for Coquelin not to let Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri run at Arsenal’s back four with too much ease.Arsenal will need some steel in midfield against a team with much fortitude. So naturally, I would choose Francis Coquelin over Mohamed Elneny for this game. It will be important for Coquelin not to let Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri run at Arsenal’s back four with too much ease."
> RM Francis Coquelin
34, France
It’s time for Jack Wilshere to have his first start for Arsenal in this calendar year. He has appeared on the bench and has been used as a substitute, but you can’t help but feel that Wilshere would rise to the occasion of such a big game. It is almost second nature to him (Barcelona circa 2011, anyone?)It’s time for Jack Wilshere to have his first start for Arsenal in this calendar year. He has appeared on the bench and has been used as a substitute, but you can’t help but feel that Wilshere would rise to the occasion of such a big game. It is almost second nature to him (Barcelona circa 2011, anyone?)"
> LM Jack Wilshere
10, England
Alex Iwobi has been nothing but impressive for Arsenal during the Premier League run-in. He was Arsenal’s biggest threat in front of goal against Norwich, even with the veteran Olivier Giroud being on the pitch. should be rewarded with another start.Alex Iwobi has been nothing but impressive for Arsenal during the Premier League run-in. He was Arsenal’s biggest threat in front of goal against Norwich, even with the veteran Olivier Giroud being on the pitch. should be rewarded with another start."
> LW Alex Iwobi
45, Nigeria
Alexis Sanchez just couldn’t provide a spark for Arsenal against Norwich, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have an impact on Sunday. Alexis seems as though he thoroughly enjoys playing against City. Last season’s virtuoso performance against them proves it.Alexis Sanchez just couldn’t provide a spark for Arsenal against Norwich, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have an impact on Sunday. Alexis seems as though he thoroughly enjoys playing against City. Last season’s virtuoso performance against them proves it."
> RW Alexis Sanchez
17, Chile
He was probably due a bad performance after enjoying such stellar form, but its safe to say Mesut Ozil did not have a good game by his standards. He rarely has two poor games in a row, and the prospect of City getting Champions League football ahead of his team should be enough to get the German to rise to the occasion.He was probably due a bad performance after enjoying such stellar form, but its safe to say Mesut Ozil did not have a good game by his standards. He rarely has two poor games in a row, and the prospect of City getting Champions League football ahead of his team should be enough to get the German to rise to the occasion."
> CAM Mesut Ozil
11, Germany
Even with the little playing time he’s seen this season, Danny Welbeck has already made more of an impact this season than Arsenal’s other two main strikers. We saw against Norwich just how he can completely change the outcome of a game on his own. Let’s hope he can hit the target again on Sunday.Even with the little playing time he’s seen this season, Danny Welbeck has already made more of an impact this season than Arsenal’s other two main strikers. We saw against Norwich just how he can completely change the outcome of a game on his own. Let’s hope he can hit the target again on Sunday."
> ST Danny Welbeck
23, England
