Arsenal (A) Pre match thread

[Jack Hackett]

Is Mustafi crocked?

That line up appears very attacking and possibly a bit lightweight in the middle - I'd expect* to see Xhaka in double pivot with Torreira, with either Ramsey or Mkhitaryan to start on the bench.

*Based on absolutely nothing.

Difficult to know how Emery will approach the game, so lots of possibilities, not least Guendouzi who impressed pre season

 

[Jack Hackett]

Is Mustafi crocked?

That line up appears very attacking and possibly a bit lightweight in the middle - I'd expect* to see Xhaka in double pivot with Torreira, with either Ramsey or Mkhitaryan to start on the bench.

*Based on absolutely nothing.

I can't see him start Mustafi

 

[Barcon]

TBF - Having explored since arriving - it seems you are spot on.

There is a Sports Bar in the hotel that says they will definitely have the game on - but I did not realise that it would be so straightforward

Yes mate, they're mad fer it over there. Not sure I have missed a match when I have been away.
Are you right in Cancun or in Playa?
Worst case is you have to pop back up to the room for two hours and watch it there.

 

[citytill1die84]

Difficult to predict our line up given the rotation of players in pre-season

However, I'll take a stab

I think it will be 4231

Leno
Bellerin Holding Sokratis Monreal
Ramsey Torreira
Mkhitaryan Ozil Aubameyang
Lacazette

Sort that terrible defence out and Arse have a decent starting 11. Could be a very end to end game.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

Lots of confidence on here from you Mancs...only to be expected given how easily you sauntered to the title last season.

It'll be interesting to see how we perform against you Sunday, with Emery in charge and with some new faces.

I suspect we won't be quite so gung ho as under Wenger and hopefully better organised defensively. It will be a tough test for us but the first game of the season often produces an odd result. We shall see.

I will be there and I'm predicting a hard earned draw for us.

If your pre season friendlies are anything to go by, you're bloody hoping re your defence.
Looked same ol', to me.

 

[Jack Hackett]

If your pre season friendlies are anything to go by, you're bloody hoping re your defence.
Looked same ol', to me.

Defence still weak

On reflection, I think Emery may only play 1 striker preferring Iwobi to Lacazette from my original selection above

On the plus side at least we now have a proper defensive cm in Torreira to protect the back 4 which is something we have been crying out for

 

[willymanc]

Hello Blues have bought 4 tickets but due to ill health 3 cannot make it so have 3 x £30 tickets for the City end IE Clock End Turnstile L face value email me on pineapple1@btinternet.com if you want to go.

 

[CityInWashingtonState]

Can't wait for the P/L season to start - I predict a win, whatever our lineup; of course bad luck/away game against a tough opponent/first game with little training for many of our key players/starters will factor in.
===
Still, I wouldn't be surprised if we boss the game, quickly winning the ball of Arsenal with our press, and creating numerous scoring opportunities. If we're clinical - this game could result in a route - a win for my Blues by 3 or more goals.

 

[r.soleofsalford]

I think we will see if our performance in the C.S. was in fact a continuation of last seasons form or just a good result and performance in a friendly.

I think we will also see if Arsenal are going to be a force in deciding where the Premier League Trophy ends up.

Come on you Blues

 

[Armaan]

Sort that terrible defence out and Arse have a decent starting 11. Could be a very end to end game.

There’s only one winner if it’s an end to end game and it isn’t the team beginning with A.

 

[mosssideblue]

Pre Season Friendlies over, Transfer Window closed, let the fun commence. Expecting us to take the three points and get a good start to the season

 

[City_Sean]

Arsenal are a much tougher prospect purely for the fact they won't be as open and porous as they were under Wenger.

Their starting XI looks impressive on paper and in Aubameyang and Lacazette they have two killers up front.

I expect us to win, But not as comfortable as last season. Torreira could make a difference at disrupting our midfield.

Ederson
Walker Stones Laporte Mendy
Gundogan Dinho B.Silva
Mahrez Aguero Sane

Arsenal 1-2 City.

 

[BLUEMATT23]

Arsenal are a much tougher prospect purely for the fact they won't be as open and porous as they were under Wenger.

Their starting XI looks impressive on paper and in Aubameyang and Lacazette they have two killers up front.

I expect us to win, But not as comfortable as last season. Torreira could make a difference at disrupting our midfield.

Ederson
Walker Stones Laporte Mendy
Gundogan Dinho B.Silva
Mahrez Aguero Sane

Arsenal 1-2 City.

Kompany surely has to start?

 

[The Stockport Iniesta]

Arsenal away is usually a very tough game, I don't expect it to be as easy as last season. Hopefully we get off to a flyer but a point won't be bad.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

Arsenal are a much tougher prospect purely for the fact they won't be as open and porous as they were under Wenger.

Their starting XI looks impressive on paper and in Aubameyang and Lacazette they have two killers up front.

I expect us to win, But not as comfortable as last season. Torreira could make a difference at disrupting our midfield.

Ederson
Walker Stones Laporte Mendy
Gundogan Dinho B.Silva
Mahrez Aguero Sane

Arsenal 1-2 City.

Why does this keep coming up ? Have you seen any of their friendlies ? They've been as bad as ever.
I know friendlies don't count for results, but they should give you a plan of how you're going to set up and
they look absolutely no different defensively.

 

[City_Sean]

Kompany surely has to start?

Not for me mate. Laporte and Stones were very good last week and I think they're ready for this game.

 

[Stevieatlasblue]

Would take a point now. Very tough opener

 

[kun]

Kompany surely has to start?

why?

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Ahem..... football ;-)

My apologies...futbol! (At least while you’re in Cancun!) ;-)

 

[richards30]

Would take a point now. Very tough opener

Fuck that! Tough game but we can beat these!!!