I'd go with that team. Arsenal will press so we need technicians in the pivot, so I agree wholheartedly wiht Bernardo and Kovacic in there. First touch is imperative in centre mid, so Nunes is out as Pep has commented in his first touch and Rico isnt strong enough yet to take the ball under pressure.Blue tints off, this is going to be tough.
Team wise, Akanji always plays, and usually you’d expect Ake ahead of Gvardiol in a big game however this might be the time that Josko gets the nod.
Midfield, you’ve got to assume Pep rested Kovacic with Sunday in mind, and however well Rico played I’d expect Bernie to sit deeper with Alvarez getting the start after a rest and then being the match winner on Weds.
Then to the wings, Phil is nailed on for one slot, toss up between Doku and Grealish for the other, does Pep go for control early with Jack to keep Doku back for later in game or pin White back with Doku early and hope to be winning so Jack can come on to pick free kicks up late in game. Tough call.
So in my mind, I expect this:
Eddie
Kyle
Akanji
Ruben
Gvardiol/Ake
Kovacic
Bernie
Phil
Alvarez
Jack/Doku
Haaland
I see a lot of Walker/Akanji/Dias/Gvardiol but what about Walker/Dias/Gvardiol/Ake? It felt like Ake was rested on Wednesday for this game?Ake has to play no?
Don't believe a word from Captain Scarlett about Saka being doubtful, he'll play.
Saka will play then limp off after 70mins then have a 2 week rest
Saka will be told to go home, turn off the phone. Dim the lights, run a hot bath with Epsom salts, ask Alexa to play some wind chime or pan pipes music, drink green tea but no food. Then come back Sunday at 1pm ready to play. Arteta will have a nice block of dark Lindt chocolate waiting for you.Ake has to play no?
Don't believe a word from Captain Scarlett about Saka being doubtful, he'll play.
no getting my dates wrong, that was 2012 in the title run in, think Atreta scoredWas it?
Thought Ake was piss poor for the Wolves goal. Gvardiol replaces him for meAke has to play no?
Don't believe a word from Captain Scarlett about Saka being doubtful, he'll play.
Akanji always plays, Pep trusts him.I see a lot of Walker/Akanji/Dias/Gvardiol but what about Walker/Dias/Gvardiol/Ake? It felt like Ake was rested on Wednesday for this game?
Or would we ever go without Walker?
I think if Doku plays, I think no Gvardiol - too much newness on one side.
Ake had a mare last weekThought Ake was piss poor for the Wolves goal. Gvardiol replaces him for me