Arsenal (A) - Sun 21st Sept, 16:30 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

Match Result Prediction?

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skillman said:
Not looking forward to this game really. I think we’ll try and do them on the counter and let them have the ball, need the defence to be on it.

Donnarumma

Khusanov
Dias/Stones
Gvardiol
O’Reilly

Reijnders
Rodri
Nico G

Foden
Haaland
Doku
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Dias will 100% start this game.

Stones may start at the expense of O'Reilly (Gvardiol at LB) or Bernardo (i.e. next to Rodri, which would enable both O'Reilly and Reijnders to join counters, but it would mean Foden on the right).
 
coolcity said:
We never have been easy, we just had a bad patch last season due to a huge injury list. A couple of early defeats this season and from the way some of you talk you would think we were discussing avoiding relegation.
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It was a bit more than a ‘bad patch’ and the defeats this season were bad. But I am still optimistic(ish) this season - I think we will finish 3rd, comfortably

But Arsenal do seem in a better position than us squad wise

However, keep it tight and we can do the business
 
We have to get the full backs right today, that's their big threat, martinelli is very quick and direct, stop the wingers and we can win it. Foden is our match winner
 
I think there is a small probability we win because Arsenal are genuine title contenders and this is a huge game for them for historical reasons. Still I am expecting City to perform well and carry a threat.

The last couple of games I have seen big improvements on the City of last season but I don't think we close the gap in one month. Football being football we have a punchers chance on the day. If we get the first goal, then the pressure will be huge on Arsenal.
 
blue cigar said:
We have to get the full backs right today, that's their big threat, martinelli is very quick and direct, stop the wingers and we can win it. Foden is our match winner
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I would be surprised if Martinelli was in the starting lineup. We will most likely be up against Eze and Maduake. Eze is the worry as he seems to play well against us.
 
We owe them a smashing.....

They need to be put back in there box...

Been erls biggest critic but he needs to let there centre backs no he's in beast mode...

We need the city v the world mentality and we win ...
 
Top game so the starting line up will change for whatever reasons

Donna
Lewis - Dias - Gvardiol - Ake

Rodri - Reijnders - González
Foden - Bernardo
Haaland
 
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noseve said:
That's only natural, but this crowd are a genuine step up.

As long as we don't get embarrassed, this'll still have been a really good week
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They are a step up, but we can still match them. No reason why we shouldn't be stepping out there today with a fearless mindset.
 
Ric said:
I’m seeing tomorrow as a bit of a free hit tbh. Don’t think we’re realistic title contenders at the moment, as we’re not as good/consistent as Liverpool or Arsenal yet.

Looking forward to seeing how we fare though, as confidence is higher after the last two results and there are quite a few positives going into this. Donnarumma’s introduction, Khusanov at RB, the return of Gvardiol, Rodri and Foden, the form of Doku & Haaland etc.

Main concern for me is losing the midfield battle and getting overrun there, but presumably/hopefully Pep has a plan for that, even it means a slightly more conservative starting XI.
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Agree with this, although I think he'll start the same lineup. As much as I would prefer Nico G & Rodri as a double pivot, I can see the logic in keeping Nico on the bench to sub on for Rodri when he's knackered.
 
blue moony said:
We owe them a smashing.....

They need to be put back in there box...

Been erls biggest critic but he needs to let there centre backs no he's in beast mode...

We need the city v the world mentality and we win ...
Click to expand...
He needs to play his own game and not get into a wrestling match with them. Go more cat and mouse
 
Kippax Street 1880 said:
Just don't do some infuriating shit like breaking up our finally solid looking back 4 to shoehorn a half fit John Stones in there or something
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Stones is our best defender at winning aerial duels (Gvardiol second, Aké third, Dias fourth). Against an Arsenal team who rely on set piece headed goals, it wouldn’t be shoehorning Stones in (if he was fit enough to play), it would be a wise team selection.
 
.........................Donna...........................
......Khush...Stones/Dias...Gvardiol.....
............................Rodri.........................
Berny...............Nico G.............Nico OR
...............Foden...........Doku................
.......................Haaland.........................


Normally don't mess with a winning team but if stones is fit would start him and think Nico. G would be better suited to start to support rodri though Reijnders on at some point
 
Khusanov needs to be playing, his recovery speed is vital at the back.
Haaland looks like he’s got his mojo back, & I’d like to see him ragdoll their defence for a change.
Doku’s pace, & a more direct City style, has seen him affect games much more this season already.
Doku, Haaland, Reijnders, are all capable of breaking the lines with their pace, & while I’m expecting Arteta to be his usual stifling tactical self, I’m wondering if Pep will embrace a little chaos today?
 
Clean sheet would be a great result today.

However, if Reindeers/Foden can release Haaland behind Gabriel/Saliba like Napoli sending off and/or Doku continues driving into box centrally then I'm confident we can get a goal or two. Foden is showing 23/24 form in spells so who knows when he will unleash one from edge of box, maybe even today....

Only concern is Rodri. He's not close to being match fit @ elite level. Was blowing just after HT v Scum and that's a mid-table side at best, with no midfield. 90 mins away @ Arsenal is tougher test. Maybe Pep swaps Capt Silva or Reindeers out for Nico as cannot see him benching Foden, Doku or Haaland.

Arsenal 0:2 City Haaland [23] Foden [51]
 
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