City Vs Arsenal Pre match Discussion Thread

[BertTrautmann'sParachute]

Recent results suggest a close game. The biggest result of our last 5 games was our 2-0 win last season, but that was against 10 men for a big chunk of the game (until Kompany got sent off too).

They aren't United or Spurs, so I don't think it'll be a 3 or 4-goal bonanza from City.

Only 6 goals in the last 5 league fixtures between these teams.

Mancini's strategy against them though was to pack the midfield with hard workers and really play a high tempo, aggressive pressing game. Not to let them settle. I think we'll be significantly more open this time, i see it being a high scoring one this time around.

i imagine that arsenal will try to keep ball but once they lose it we'll hit them on the break.

should pellegrini want to go for extreme possession he can do that as well.

whatever tactics the gaffer uses, i think arsenal will be crucified .

Now, that's my kind of post!

 

[Ray78]

It is down to us to take full advantage of Arsenal's perceived tiredness. No excuses if we don't perform to what we are capable of as we had an extra day to recover.

 

[SPIDERBOY]

It is down to us to take full advantage of Arsenal's perceived tiredness. No excuses if we don't perform to what we are capable of as we had an extra day to recover.

All day long....spot on.

 

[waspish]

This game should of been played Sunday at 4 ridicules tv scheduling

 

[EL APACHE TEVEZ]

I know daft as it seems, but I'm going for a 4-1 win for the blueboys.

 

[BertTrautmann'sParachute]

Apparently Sagna is going to be back for the game against us.
At least they won't be able to use that as an excuse when we thump them.

If there is any excuse its our players don't have the strength of squad you have made worse by tv scheduling which means we have to play you lot only 48 hours or so after arriving back from Napoli.

You are fresher than us.

You have rested key players - a luxury you have because of the strength of your squad.

You are at home where you have a strong record.

We are underdogs and properly so given the above

You had better make it count

You have the same attitude as your manager and your players. You've already excused tomorrow's defeat. And we will make it count, seriously.

 

[Chi-town blues]

Apparently Sagna is going to be back for the game against us.
At least they won't be able to use that as an excuse when we thump them.

He will shit on his pants to see Zaba on the team sheet .

 

[cucumberman]

I believe imperative for Clichy to start instead of Kolarov. 

Ozil Ramsey and Wilshere will also be busy in midfeld so I believe we need more disruption there and Milner to provide it. Other than the Bayern at home, this looks to be the dodgy banana skin game so far. A lot to play for, technically a 6 pts advantage to win as always when playing against current league leader

. My biggest fear is Demichelis going out of position. He can and will be turned with their tight triangle passes, and shots from outside the box are also threats. 

We keep posession and tire them early. Get early goals to pull them out of position. I hope Navas and Milner starts and Silva to come in as sub when they begin to lose pace.

 

[pudge]

I believe imperative for Clichy to start instead of Kolarov. 

Ozil Ramsey and Wilshere will also be busy in midfeld so I believe we need more disruption there and Milner to provide it. Other than the Bayern at home, this looks to be the dodgy banana skin game so far. A lot to play for, technically a 6 pts advantage to win as always when playing against current league leader

. My biggest fear is Demichelis going out of position. He can and will be turned with their tight triangle passes, and shots from outside the box are also threats. 

We keep posession and tire them early. Get early goals to pull them out of position. I hope Navas and Milner starts and Silva to come in as sub when they begin to lose pace.

Demichelis has played 90 minutes for 9 straight games, if Pellers had any sense he'd go with Kompany and Lescott.

 

[Scooby Blue]

Slightly lost in the fall-out from "permutation-gate" vs Bayern Munich...
...I detected a number of positive things for City:

- players who have not been starting games (Dzeko / Milner / Hart etc) stepping up with very motivated performances
- a desire to retrieve a "lost" game that was not in evidence earlier in the season
- a reminder of how talented David Silva is...and how much he adds creatively to our game

This doesn't necessarily translate into an automatic win v Arsenal...but it bodes well for the rest of the season

Arsenal have fluffed their lines so far this season in their biggest games: Utd (a) Everton (h) Napoli (a)
...but I do feel they are much more threatening with Walcott in the team.

Someone ( I think it was in cricket) once said something like:
..you should always do what the opposition least want you to do.
I think Mertesacker hates mobility + pace...so I would start with Nasri / Silva / Navas ....behind Aguero.
(with Milner / Negredo / Dzeko on bench)