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

Match Result Prediction?

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Woody13 said:
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.
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Great shout
 
lineup (4).png

My team for today would be this. Space for Haaland will be as tight as a gnats chuff, so I would be giving license to Phil to play off him as often as possible, with the extra central player (Bern) to fill in that space that Phil leaves.
 
Hello Blues. I think we have to try something new. Now hear me out on this one.

Arsenal/Arteta are going to park the bus and play on the counter / rely on set pieces. The foundation of their gameplan relies HEAVILY on their defense being on their A game.

Gabriel/Saliba are licking their lips and are probably dreaming of playing like prime Nesta and Maldini getting ready and motivated to stop Haaland.

We know how ineffective Haaland can be against a deep block, especially an organized one who are on red alert for him.

I think we should INNOVATE. Throw a spanner in the works. Hear me out. I think Haaland should be on the bench.

3 ATB with Gvardiol, Dias & Akanji
3 in midfield, Rodri as the 6 with Kovacic and Rico either sides of him to have control in the midfield
Doku and Savinho on the flanks to provide threat from the flanks
Gundogan and Foden both as false 9s, attacking midfielders in the middle

Tactically, Pep said Rico, Foden and Gundogan are our best players in the pockets so this system allows all 3 to be in there.

while Doku and Savinho will be a constant threat down the flanks.
Rico, Kovacic and Rodri will give us control.

Psychologically, this would be a masterstroke. For starters, Arteta and co would not have planned for this. Whatever plans they had for Haaland and motivation they had is gone, they go into the game confused. Gabriel and Saliba would not get what they have been preparing for.

Also, Haaland on the bench would mean his ego would be hurt, a wounded viking animal waiting to be unleashed.
whatever the gamestate, when the Arsenal players and City fans see Haaland and KDB warming up to come on in the second half, the stadium will erupt and the Arsenal players will shit themselves, making them go even further back into their shells. This is not what they planned for.
 
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