Arsenal (H) - Sun 22nd Sept, 16:30 | PL | Pre-Match Thread

[aka blue jambo]

10am train from Edinburgh
Dump bags at hotel
Couple of beers pre match then hopefully celebrate with a thai curry later

 

[Woody13]

Sometimes impossible to pre-empt a Pep side, but I think Ederson, Gvardiol, Akanji, Dias, Rodri, Foden and Haaland at this stage are definite starters.

Rico or Walker ? Rico has let no one down so far and does give us better control and distribution in possession, adds more of a threat with his intricate touch and passing in the attacking third aswell. Away from home I’d be picking Walker, maybe give Rico the nod in this first big clash of the season.

Gundo, Kovacic, or Bernardo? The three main options alongside Foden and Rodri on midfield. Kova definitely gives us a better shape without the ball and like Gundo, keeps it simple a lot of the time, control. Gundo and Bernardo more attacking picks befitting of a home fixture, all three have tremendous experience in big games, just think Pep will want Bernardo in there somewhere in this fixture. That could be through the middle or down the right.

Doku or Grealish? Does he want Doku’s pace and directness or Grealish’s control. I’d take Jack from the start and use the impact of Doku from the bench.

Savinho or Bernardo? If Bernardo plays centrally Savinho gets the start. He’s been impressive after being thrown into Premier League starts rather than being drip-fed some minutes. Early trust from Pep.

 

[Haaland94]

is KDB definitely out of this one?

 

[117 M34]

Pep's comments are definitely designed to bait arsenal to come and attack

 

[Woody13]

is KDB definitely out of this one?

That’s actually a good point, I’ve gone along the lines that he definitely is but doesn’t sound like that’s confirmed by any stretch.

 

[Buckshaw Blue]

is KDB definitely out of this one?

No. Pep said on Friday that he could be involved. Make of that what you will!

 

[mosssideblue]

Ederson, Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Rodri, Foden, Gundogan, Doku, Grealish, Haaland

Subs: Ortega, Stones, Walker, Nunes, Savinho, Kovacic, Bernardo, De Bruyne?, Mcatee

Don’t think you will be too far off with that line up

 

[MCFC1993]

Hope everyone's up for it today, manager, players, fans. There's an opportunity to hand their arses to them today and knock the confidence right out of them.

 

[waspish]

Pep mentioning the height of Arsenal I'm expecting Walker to play Kovacic Grealish! Pep going the cautious root then bring the likes of Doku on if needed..

_________Ed

Walker_Akanji_Dias_Gvardiol

______Rodri___Kovacic____

Silva_____Foden___Grealish

______Haaland

 

[Stiff Little Wingers]

10am train from Edinburgh
Dump bags at hotel
Couple of beers pre match then hopefully celebrate with a thai curry later

Good plan. Enjoy the game