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Preview: Arsenal v Man City, Team News, Line-Up + Prediction

By on September 12, 2014

emirates-stadium

Premier League football returns after the international break as we take on Manchester City at the Emirates tomorrow.

Obviously it’s a huge game as we’ll be facing the defending champions and it’s going to be a real test of our own title aspirations this season.

Our record against the big boys was terrible last year so that’s something we certainly have to improve upon if we’re to mount a serious challenge this time around.

Arsenal’s start to the new season has been underwhelming. We have scrapped a win over Crystal Palace, earned a hard fought point at Everton and could only come away with a 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Leicester City last time out.

The results haven’t been great but the performances have been the worrying factor. We’re going to seriously need to step things up if we want to take anything away from tomorrow’s game.

However, after beating Newcastle and Liverpool in their opening two games, City came unstuck at home to Stoke before the international break so they are by no means unbeatable.

Team News

Aaron Ramsey is the big fitness doubt ahead of the game. He took part in training today and was given a late fitness test, but we’ll have to see what Arsene decides to do tomorrow.

I wouldn’t take any risks with him so if he’s not 100%, then start Jack Wilshere alongside the fit again Mikel Arteta in midfield.

Kieran Gibbs is also back in the squad after a three week absence with a hamstring strain so he’s likely to replace Nacho Monreal at left-back.

David Ospina will be on the bench after recovering from a thigh injury while Mesut Ozil is available despite pulling out of the Germany squad with an ankle knock. Let’s hope Arsene starts him centrally tomorrow.

Danny Welbeck is in-line to make his debut following his move from Man Utd, but Theo Walcott is still working his way back to full fitness so joins Olivier Giroud on the sidelines.

As for City, they’ll be without Jovetic or Fernando, but Zabaleta and Kompany are fit to play.

Preferred Line-Up

This is the team I’d go with:

I know it’s harsh to drop Cazorla but I think The Ox would provide more defensive cover and track Zabaleta more down that flank. In reality, Arsene will probably play Cazorla though.

Prediction

If we are positive and attack them with pace, we have a real chance. That front four should cause any team problems and City’s defence is far from water-tight, so as long as we can restrict them and keep it tight at the back, I can see us nicking it. Arsenal 2-1 Man City

COYG!!!!