Arsenal (A) - Sun Oct 8th, 16:30 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[NikT]

For this game I'd go for Ederson, Ake, Dias, Akanji, Walker, Gvardiol, Kova, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland and Foden. This is assuming Bernardo and Stones are still not available. I think Gvardiol has the attributes necessary to be a viable backup for Rodri as CDM. Him and Kova would setup in a double pivot and already have great chemistry playing together for Croatia which should help. The issue with Phillips as was made clear against Wolves is that he needs too much time to distribute the ball which allows the opposition to get back into their defensive shape and stifles our buildup and attacking play. Ake got dusted by Neto but will hopefully have a good bounceback game vs Saka. Foden hopefully has a big game as he will be crucial to us creating chances for Haaland.

 

[Spanishbob]

The overhead bicycle kick by Haaland at the Emirates stadium from inside city’s half to finish off his double hatrick will go down has the best goal ever seen in the history of British football let alone the the pl. then I woke up. Bugger.

 

[Kippax77]

Michael Oliver better be on his best behaviour

 

[skillman]

Dreading it.

Ederson

Walker
Akanji
Dias
Ake

Bernardo
Stones (I know, as a 6)
Kovacic

Grealish
Haaland
Alvarez

Think we'll see Foden drop out in favour of Alvarez. Grealish almost guaranteed to start over Doku given his ability to keep the ball and calm atmospheres down. Same goes for Kovacic over Nunes. Bernardo and Stones would be magic in the midfield together too IMO.

Ake over Gvardiol given his tendency to pocket Saka to the point of being subbed.

 

[supercity88]

Dreading it.

Ederson

Walker
Akanji
Dias
Ake

Bernardo
Stones (I know, as a 6)
Kovacic

Grealish
Haaland
Alvarez

Think we'll see Foden drop out in favour of Alvarez. Grealish almost guaranteed to start over Doku given his ability to keep the ball and calm atmospheres down. Same goes for Kovacic over Nunes. Bernardo and Stones would be magic in the midfield together too IMO.

Ake over Gvardiol given his tendency to pocket Saka to the point of being subbed.

I'm with you. Either Stones stepping up from CB or deployed as a DM. My other choice would be a Kovacic and Bernardo CM pairing. I think Bernardo has the discipline to play anywhere Pep tells him to and would do an excellent job at controlling things from deeper - without giving the ball away. Look to attack quickly and play on the counter, worked well last time. If Stones isn't fit enough to play I'd go with Bernardo as the DM and look to get Gvardiol stepping up from LCB instead.

 

[Eric Hitchmough]

Christ, just seen that it’s Michael Oliver reffing this one

 

[Franny 1234]

Where is the prediction poll ?

 

[Skrastins]

Kinda nervous for this one ngl.

 

[Bluemoonadam]

I'd take a draw now tbh, my personal prediction is that we will lose 2-1.

 

[balotellishaircut]

Can’t believe Arteta is playing Saka tonite, that’s a big plus for Sunday, I was thinking he’d be rested for Sunday.