Arsenal (A) - Wed 15th Feb, 19:30 | Pre-Match Thread

[It'sBlue93:20]

I’d definitely play Ake as the left-back against Arsenal. We need someone defensively secure vs Saka. He pocketed him in last match.

 

[It'sBlue93:20]

Got to get Kevin runs in that right channel. Ake at left-back. Rodri in dm. Laporte and Dias in the lineup. Anything with that would be good.

 

[supersonicblue]

Ederson

Lewis Dias Laporte Ake

Rodri

KDB Gundo

Mahrez Haaland Grealish

We need Ake to go up against Saka in this one so if we lose fluidity in the build-up on the left side then Rico has to provide it on the right ahead of Walker (Whose passing was brutal yesterday)

 

[Tangled up in blue.]

I'm not sure about Rico for this game

 

[Bluemoon has risen]

I'm not sure about Rico for this game

Me either.

I'd go the same 3 defenders that played yesterday and Ake at left back to cover Saka.

I think the team mainly picks itself. The big dilemma is who we go with in midfield. Do we go with Bernardo or Gundagon or both and drop out 1 of the forwards? KDB will definitely play as will Rodri.

This is assuming everyone bar Stones is fit. If Haaland doesn't make it, we may be best going with a false 9 and selecting both Bernardo and Gundagon.

 

[FantasyIreland]

-------------Eddie--------
Walker-Dias-Laporte-Ake
-----------Rodri----------
------KDB-------Bernie----
-Alvarez--Haaland--Grealish

 

[MadchesterCity]

I'm not sure about Rico for this game

Walker has to play for his experience

 

[Deleted member 81382]

We could go with the same formation and personnel we played vs Villa: Walker, Dias and Laporte as a back three with Rodri and Bernardo in front. That means when we lose possession either Bernardo covers LB or Laporte does and Rodri drops back in to the defence. It worked yesterday but it might be asking a bit too much from the players to do it against a much better team who will have far more of the ball than Villa did. It would also be harsh to leave Ake out given how consistent he's been this season.

I think it's more likely that we'll play Walker and Ake at full-back to deal with Martinelli and Saka. The only problem with that is if Walker is asked to step in to midfield because that was a disaster against Newcastle earlier in the season when Saint-Maximin gave him a torrid time. We could play a traditional 4-2-3-1 with Bernardo staying close to Rodri which would give us more defensive solidity and wouldn't leave us short in midfield. The only downside is it would leave KDB more isolated and it'll be easier for Arsenal to mark him out of the game.

Can't wait for this, should be a fascinating encounter and if we win we surely become favourites for the title.

 

[MCFC1993]

I think the only question is Ake or Bernardo?

I wouldn't take Gundogan out, too much of a goal threat with his late arrivals into the box and he offers similar control that Bernardo offers. He has maybe slightly less energy but that might be okay as we can bring Bernardo on for him.

Starting Bernardo at left back is gamble but not one I'd be completely against. Zinchenko wasn't really a left back and we coped because of the options we get in possession.

 

[Dr Jacoby]

I’d take a draw now. It’s a must not lose game as opposed to a must win.

I think we’re fucked if they win but fancy our chances if it’s a draw or City win.