A huge game for both sides as the winner takes a stronghold on 4th place whilst the loser has a mountain to climb in search of a top four finish, as Manchester United visit the Emirates Stadium under Solskjaer for the second time this season.
Without the suspended Lucas Torreira, Unai Emery has a decision to make on his midfield shape and on personnel as Xhaka needs a partner but neither he nor Guendouzi can do the holding role to any degree in the big games. We've learnt so far that Emery will come into this one with some kind of game plan; Ramsey in the hole and rigidity across the back line. So it's likely that Maitland-Niles comes back into the right back spot whilst Monreal could continue at left back. Bernd Leno, in impressive form, will come back in between the sticks in place of cup keeper Cech whilst Lacazette will also return to the squad. In good personal form, the French forward should start the game but what that leaves for Aubameyang, who looked way off the pace on Thursday night, remains the be seen. Is Emery likely to start both his star strikers and Aaron Ramsey? Based on what we've seen so far, it's not clear at all.
Mesut Ozil is likely to drop out of the starting XI, whilst Kolasinac too could miss out. Iwobi and Mkhitaryan will be pressing to start in wide areas once again but should Aubameyang and Lacazette start together then one of the wide boys could also miss out. It's about finding the right balance between going for it and a rigid game plan. At home, Arsenal fans want to see exciting football but above all they want to see a positive result. Emery though will be keen to implement his plan and frustrate United. However, we saw in United's visit to the Emirates in the FA Cup that they have a game plan of their own.
Lukaku and Rashford played in false wide areas, cheating on every opportunity to not come back and defend. Leaving themselves on the half turn, and centered by the pacey Lingard, United's front line caused absolute havoc. The Gunners failed to learn after one or two counter attacks and continued to allow their visitors to play they way they wanted. They also welcome back a number of first team players from injury which will strengthen their squad ten fold. The likes of Matic, Herrera and Martial are all fit again...available to play some part in the game. However, their defence, much like ours, is there to be got at, and with a raucous home crowd expected, Arsenal will be pushed on to get the job done. Emery's men showed against Chelsea and (all bar a penalty miss), against Tottenham too, that they can match the big boys with a regimented game plan. Execute it to the fullest and all three points will remain in London.
Expected lineup:
GK: Bernd Leno
RB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
CB: Sokratis
CB: Laurent Koscielny
LB: Nacho Monreal
CM: Matteo Guendouzi
CM: Granit Xhaka
RW: Henrikh Mhkitaryan
CAM: Aaron Ramsey
LW: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
ST: Alex Lacazette
Prediction: A 2-1 win after a hard fought and end-to-end ninety minutes.
@craigbennett10
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