Arsenal v Manchester City predictions

Two in form sides clashing early on New Year’s Day – should make for a very good game.

v Arsenal

Emirates Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 8/11).

Fluid 4-1-5-0 / 4-6-0 / 4-3-3:

_______________________________________________

 

Sterling__________________________________Mahrez

____________________De Bruyne__________________

__________Foden__________________Silva_________

 

____________________Gundogan__________________

Zinchenko_______________________________Cancelo

 

____________Laporte_____________Dias____________

 

 

_____________________Ederson___________________

Subs: Steffen, Walker, Ake, Mbete, Fernandinho, Palmer, Grealish, Kayky, Jesus.

Despite seemingly having a problem with his ankle in the first half against Brentford; Ederson appeared to ‘run it off’ and we haven’t heard of any issues since. Therefore, I’m going for the Brazilian stopper to start again tomorrow.

Similarly, I’m going for Joao to start on the right-side of defence despite the fact that he-very-recently required stiches to his head after he attempted to confront four assailants who raided his home and stole his / his family’s jewellery! If that’s the case, I think he’ll be joined by ‘go again’ pair Aymeric & Ruben but I think we’ll see a return [after not featuring on Wednesday night] of Oleksandr in the left-wing back slot.

Can Fernandinho play three games back-to-back; especially having only 2-½ days between our last game and this? I’m gonna say no – Ilkay gets the deeper-lying midfield role for this one. Ahead of the German international is our usual, fluid, interchangeable ‘attacking 5’ which, on this occasion, comprises of Raheem, Phil, who was outstanding the other night I thought, Kevin, Bernardo & Riyad; who plays his last game for us before heading off on international duty in the African Cup of Nations; where he’s been given the honour of captaining Algeria.

Zack is the reserve keeper; Kyle, who is back in training and who, apparently, looked sharp, is likely to be included but I’m guessing on the bench for now, Nathan & Luke make up the defenders in ‘the 9’. Fernandinho, Cole, Jack, who had his worst game for us last Wednesday in my opinion, Kayky & Gabriel make up the midfielders / wingers / attackers on the side.

I keep not-putting 2 keepers on the bench in my predicted squads but Pep keeps chucking both Zack & Scott on there for some reason; despite the fact that he’s had young outfield players available to him. Does that seem a bit weird to anyone else?

Other possibilities who could make the 20-man squad, should our manager choose to take 20, are Scott Carson, as I say, and James McAtee; who is fit again having been absent recently through either injury or illness, which was news to me at least when I read it this morning.

Notable absences:

-       Benjamin Mendy – Suspended by the club until further notice.

-       John Stones – Still out injured with ‘a knock’. Unknown return date.

-       Rodri – Rodders has apparently been ill recently (Covid I assume?); has still not been seen in training and, therefore, is likely to be deemed still not fit enough to be part of the match-day squad. Unknown return date.

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

I would say that’s nudging towards / is close to our best available side, so, yes indeed.

Result? After an indifferent and inconsistent start to the season, our hosts tomorrow afternoon (12:30pm KO GMT if you can believe that) have really hit some solid form; making this already-tricky fixture even tougher.

They’ve won their last 5 games – 1 League Cup against League 1 opposition and 4 Premier League matches – and, impressively, they’ve slammed in 19 goals whilst conceding just 2 in those 5 fixtures.

They will also go into this clash having had 5-½ days rest as opposed to the 2-½ days our lads will have had.

However, I do ‘give a nod’ to the fact that our manager chose not to make any substitutes on Wednesday and, therefore, there’s a number of key players in my predicted-starting 11 who’ve had a decent rest; namely Zinchenko, Gundogan, Sterling & Mahrez. On the flip side that, the likes of Aymeric, Ruben, Joao, Phil, Kevin & Bernardo might be ‘feeling it’ a little after Brentford…

Tough one to call this – on the one hand we’re in terrific form and, crucially, even when we look like we’re havin’ a slightly ‘off day’ – or, huh…concede 3 goals - we’re still winning games. On the other hand, we’re probably playing The Gunners at the worst time in some ways and on their own patch too.

All of that considered? Well…I am SO close to saying another City win but I’m actually going for a draw and hope, in the right way of course, that I'm wrong; that I’m just having a 'lack of faith wobble-moment'.

C’mon City – prove me wrong!

Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…

Prediction: Win

Result: Won

(Pre-match blog posting from that game)

Expected weather conditions during the game: Positively barmy, in more ways than one, for this time of year in the UK! 15C, which is almost into the low-60s Fahrenheit; dry, possibly some sunny intervals and all of that comes with a brisk but warm, southerly breeze. For the fans, those winter gloves should be left on the shelf and, I would suggest also, winter coats to be swapped for light jackets & sunglasses; the latter in order to help-counter the still-low sun in the sky. Perfect conditions also, I would say, for the players.

Have a good ‘n’ safe New Year’s Eve everyone!

Pack your bags…

…as we ‘hit the road’ for the first of four away games (all of ‘em far down south too!) in our next five fixtures…pandemic permitting of course.

Firstly, just a few point-opinions about our last, thrilling game…

1.    I thought we were absolutely EXCEPTIONAL in the first half; 45 minutes or there abouts where 4 goals could easily have been 6 or more!

2.    In the second half, their first goal was simply a case of us [still] pressing SO very high and Leicester being SO fast ‘n’ clinical in ‘counter attacking play’ that they simply bypassed and undid us.

3.    However, their second was definitely down to some sloppiness on our behalf; some awful decision making / passing with a sprinkle of arrogance too, I believe, and our high-energy visitors simply pounced on the gifted opportunity.

I think that should have been an ‘alarm call’ to both the players and our manager and I mention the latter in particular because I noticed, in the second half, that Oleksandr Zinchenko had clearly been given instructions to press-on even MORE [than he/we did in the first half] and was playing further forward in that…‘inverted wing-back’ role; practically leaving us with just two, very exposed defenders in Dias & Laporte; as Cancelo was largely on the offensive too.

Just on Cancelo briefly though - I thought he had another very good game both defensively – with 2 or 3 excellent tackles in the first half in particular - as well as going forward.

4.    Their third goal came from another counter attack, this time from our corner and while we managed to get players back and slow-down that particular assault; we saw Ederson make another terrific save (he had another excellent game despite conceded 3) from a crackin’ shot, which unfortunately then fell to a Leicester player’s feet who-then simply ‘tapped in’. That happens.

5.    That most certainly woke us up from our apparent dazed ‘n’ confused state and, so, we pressed again and put the game out of reach with two more goals to make the final score 6-3. Yet still, before the final whist blew, both teams had chances to score 2 or more each. A crazy game - one, which, Pep referred to as, “Weird”.

Speaking of our manager – and it may seem strange to go anywhere near a critical comment after scoring another 6 goals that sees us with just 1 defeat (RB Leipzig away) and 11 wins in 12 games – but I thought he was slow to change things…and perhaps even a little arrogant (there’s that word again).

At 4-2, I believe he should, at the very least, have instructed Zinchenko to be a little more reserved in his forward play; perhaps Cancelo too. Oleksandr isn’t the best at defending (that’s a position we still need to look at soon) but with Leicester having changed their system and showing extra ‘zing’ after the break; the Ukrainian needed to be more guarded and help his defensive colleagues more.

I’m also of the opinion that it was time for some slower, tired-looking Manchester City legs to be replaced at that stage too. I also heard another Blue on the radio after the game question why, once we’d gone 5-3 up, we didn’t take the opportunity to withdraw another couple of players and give another two a ‘leg stretch’, with our next fixture just 3 days later. I tend to agree.

As God like as he is to so many football fans, myself included, he can sometimes have those strange, ‘head-scratching moments’; occasions that can sometimes – as it almost did last Sunday – be our undoing.

Little niggle-whinge over…

v Brentford

Brentford Community Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 8/11).

Fluid 4-1-5-0 / 4-6-0 / 4-3-3:

_______________________________________________

_____________________Jesus_____________________

Foden___________________________________Mahrez

 

_________De Bruyne_____________Silva____________

 

____________________Gundogan__________________

Zinchenko_______________________________Cancelo

 

______________Ake_____________Dias_____________

 

 

_____________________Ederson___________________

Subs: Steffen, Wilson-Esbrand, Laporte, Mbete, Fernandinho, Palmer, Grealish, Kayky, Sterling.

There are SO many doubts surrounding many of our players ahead of this game that I feel like putting all of the players names in a hat and drawing them out randomly!

-      Kyle Walker is still to be seen training with his teammates having been ill / not deemed fit for quite a number of weeks now.

-      John Stones was also missing from training ahead of this fixture and having not been in the match-day squad at all in our last outing with an apparent ‘knock’.

-      Also missing from last Sunday’s clash was Rodri and he too hasn’t been seen preparing for our visit to the home of ‘The Bees’.

And if all of that wasn’t enough to leave us scratching our collective heads, both Joao Cancelo & Oleksandr Zinchenko were also missing from photographs taken of the outside training sessions yesterday; leading me to believe either that they were, perhaps, being given lighter coaching sessions inside / are being rested a little more or they-themselves have finally succumbed to either injury or illness.

Ederson has the gloves.

I’m going to have to assume that both Oleksandr & Joao are okay and just needed to be treated a little more tenderly than some of their playing colleagues and will flank our central defenders. With Ruben just one yellow card away from a 1-match suspension (Rodri & Silva too when I looked it up to check) I was tempted to suggest that he may be rested for this game ahead of our New Year’s Day away trip to Arsenal. That may well be the case but with Laporte also in need of a rest, I would suggest, and with him preferring to be on the left-side of central defence; I’m going with a pairing of Nathan & Ruben for this one.

I think Ilkay will be asked to play ‘the deeper role’ in midfield and ahead of the German international, I’m going for our fluid, interchangeable 5 to come in the form of Phil, Kevin, Bernardo, Riyad & Gabriel; giving the very-much-inform Raheem a rest tonight, I would say.

Zack continues to be the reserve keeper; Wilson-Esbrand to provide some sensible cover as left-wing back and is joined by defensive colleagues, Aymeric & Luke. Fernandinho, Cole, Jack, Kayky & Raheem make up the midfield / wing / attacking personnel in ‘the 9’.

Notable absences:

-       Benjamin Mendy – Suspended by the club until further notice.

-       Kyle Walker – Still not fully match fit following an illness. Unknown return date.

-       John Stones – Injured with ‘a knock’. Unknown return date.

-       Rodri – Similar to Kyle, it appears to be the case that Rodders has been ill recently and may not be fully match fit either. Unknown return date.

-       Ferran Torres – In Spain having had a medical ahead of his January transfer.

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

It does leave the whole left-side of our defence a little less secure than it would do if, say, Cancelo & Laporte were ‘in there’. However, I can understand the reason for that predicted change and the rest of the side looks absolutely fine to me.

Result? This is a game I’ve marked on my calendar as one I am looking forward to watching; the reasons, which, I put in my pre-Community Shield piece way back in August. It would be ironic, therefore, if I don’t get to watch it and there is a small chance of that happening… ☹

Our hosts have LOADS of players with physical injuries going into this game, as well as an illness or two, and to make things worse; most of those out are defenders. The rest includes their goalkeeper, who started in net for their first nine league games of the season, and at least four form their midfield department.

But they are a side who ‘dig deep’ and battle for everything and although their recent form may look a little erratic (W L D W L); that combative nature and ‘never say die’ attitude does get them results.

I like ‘em and I like listening to their manager speak too.

If we have got a little disruption of our own through injuries & illness – perhaps more than my predicted starting 11 suggests – then it could upset our balance & rhythm. I can, in fact, see the home side scoring and we’ll need to match them, at the very least, for effort; regardless of whether they find the back of our net or not.

I expect a hard contest to a point…but I am going for a City win. In fact, if their many defensive injuries take their toll tonight then we could see another big scoreline in the end.

3 points to ‘The Blues’.

Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…

Prediction: N/A

Result: N/A

Expected weather conditions during the game: What the heck is going on with the weather?! A night-time kick-off at the end of December should look something like 0C and a chance of snow. Instead, it’s forecasted to-not-drop below 14C (that’s just 2C off-being 61F!) with nothing falling from the sky! Perfect playing conditions and nice for the fans too. Parts of the country, we are told and if you’re interested, could reach 18C on New Years Eve / New Years Day…

 

Game on! For now, at least…

With so many footballers out with Covid-19 as well as injuries and with so many games being suspended as a result; I suppose we have to count ourselves lucky at this moment in time…

v Leicester City

Etihad Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 8/11).

Fluid 4-1-5-0 / 4-6-0 / 4-3-3:

_______________________________________________

 

Foden_____________________________________Silva

____________________De Bruyne__________________

__________Grealish_____________Gundogan________

 

______________________Rodri_____________________

Zinchenko________________________________Cancelo

 

____________Laporte____________Dias_____________

 

 

_____________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Steffen, Walker, Ake, Stones, Fernandinho, Palmer, Sterling, Mahrez, Gabriel.

Pep was unable to give a truly accurate picture in his pre-match press conference on Thursday 23th December about who would be ‘fit ‘n’ available’ and that was due to the fact that they, at that moment in time, had yet to have a training session following our last game and, therefore, he was unable to fully assess his players.

That includes recently-absent Kyle Walker, who has been absent through illness / not deemed fit enough in recent games, which was something that confused me somewhat pre-Newcastle because, apart from Ferran Torres, we were informed by our manager that everyone else was fit ‘n’ available for that game.

Subsequently, Kyle didn’t even travel to the North East with his teammates. Weird.

Additionally, Pep mentioned on the 23^rd…‘the great unknown’; that being the fact they, like every other football club, are testing daily for Covid-19 and, therefore, we may lose players or staff between his press conference and the 3:00pm KO (GMT) on Boxing Day.

So, here’s my best guess…

Ederson should, at least and Covid permitting, not be a hard one to ‘stick in there’ as our ‘Number 1’.

I can only think that Kyle is getting better from whatever illness it is that’s kept him out but I’m guessing that he may not yet be fully ‘up to speed’ to make the ‘starting 11’ just yet. Therefore, I’m going for the same back-4 that faced Newcastle last weekend, which looks like Oleksandr, Aymeric, Ruben and, one of the stars of the season so far, Joao.

Rodders to ‘go again’ also as our defensive midfielder but ahead of him, I think we might see a few changes and, so, I’m going for a fluid, interchangeable 5 of Phil, Jack, Kevin, who might get a more-advanced, central role, Ilkay & Bernardo.

Zack is the reserve keeper; Kyle, Nathan & John are the defensive replacement options from the side. Fernandinho, Cole, Raheem, Riyad & Gabriel are the midfield / wing / attacking change-possibilities in ‘the 9’.

Still just 3 substitutions allowed as I type this; something that’s being debated by clubs and Premier League officials during the pandemic/Omicron variant surge with regards to-possibly increasing that number to 5, once again, on a temporary basis for now at least (Pep has stated that he would like 5 substitutes to become ‘the norm’ in England’s ‘top flight’, at least)…

Notable absences:

-       Benjamin Mendy – Suspended by the club until further notice.

-       Ferran Torres – On his way back from a long-term injury…and also on his way out of the club in a January transfer to Barcelona; as it sounds like negotiations are in an advanced stage.

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

I’d perhaps start Jesus instead of Grealish and then shuffle that pack a little but, yeah…that’s sure-fine with me!

Result? The signs are a little ominous for our visitors in a lot of ways - a side that have 9 players either definitely out or doubtful by various degrees. Some of those players might not be considered necessarily regular / vital components but a few most-definitely are.

Some of those players also took part in a, presumably-exhausting, 3-3 thriller in the League Cup at Anfield as recent as Wednesday 22^nd December and, therefore, will have had 3-days less recovery time than us. That game was decided by penalties in the end, which Leicester lost 5-4. That, I’m sure, wouldn’t have done their mood much good on top of all that.

They also sit 9^th in the league and a whopping 22 points behind us, although they have played 2 games fewer. Their recent league form is also all over the place – L W D L W – and they have conceded as many as they’ve score (27 in 16 games).

Having said all of that, we shouldn’t be complacent, of course - Brendan Rogers’ Leicester are characteristically hard working and are good / fast ‘on the counter’.

All things considered, though, a (presumably) fully fit ‘n’ firing Manchester City squad against a team hit with so many issues is only gonna have one outcome in my opinion.

Put it this way, I don’t think we’re going to see a repeat of last season’s showing when we faced The Foxes at the Etihad; in fact, we could see something similar reverse-wise. It’s a home win from me.

Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…

Prediction: Win

Result: Lost

(Pre-match blog posting from that game)

Expected weather conditions during the game: Dark skies and a real murky feel to the day. A little chilly, at 5C, with a light, easterly breeze to ensure that 5-degrees feels ‘just that’, or lower. A chance of some light rain / mizzle too; both during the game as well as ‘either side of’.

 

 

Everyone’s fit!

Even the slightly concerning news about our manager’s inconclusive Covid test on Friday turned out fine in the end…

v Newcastle United

St. James' Park

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 9/11).

Fluid 4-1-5-0 / 4-6-0 / 4-3-3:

_______________________________________________

 

Grealish______________Jesus_________________Silva

 

____________Foden____________De Bruyne_________

 

______________________Rodri_____________________

Cancelo___________________________________Walker

 

____________Laporte____________Dias_____________

 

 

_____________________Ederson____________________

Subs: Steffen, Zinchenko, Ake, Stones, Fernandinho, Gundogan, Palmer, Sterling, Mahrez.

With everyone apart from long-term injury and alleged wantaway, Ferran Torres, available for selection; whoever gets left out of ‘the 11’ is going to be of high quality and disappointed, I’m sure, at not-being involved ‘from the off’.

Ederson is a ‘sure starter’ in net.

Surely our arguably strongest defence will be utilised this afternoon (2:00pm KO GMT – a game that was brought forward ever-so-slightly from 2:15pm following a very request from broadcasters) and if that’s the case; I think that will look like Joao, Aymeric, Ruben & Kyle…although the Manchester Evening News noted and reported just yesterday that Kyle was absent from training with the rest of the squad…(?)

Rodders is the deeper for the midfielders and ahead of him; I think our fluid, ‘interchangeable 5’ will include Jack, Phil, Gabriel, Kevin & Bernardo this afternoon.

Zack is the reserve stopper; Oleksandr, Nathan & John are the back-up defenders in ‘the 9’. Fernandinho, Ilkay, Cole, Raheem & Riyad are on the side as replacement options in the midfield / wing / attacking department.

Notable absences:

-       Benjamin Mendy – Suspended by the club until further notice.

-       Ferran Torres – Out with a foot injury until some time in January. Apparently, the Spaniard posted a picture of himself earlier this month; showing himself in Manchester City training gear and kicking a ball at the CFA.

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

Almost. I think if we have ‘all available’ and you, therefore, have the means to pick your strongest side; I believe that means Ilkay in for Jack and putting Phil on the left. However, I think our manager will want Jack to build up some momentum following a ‘good showing’ last time out; amidst some growing criticism and questions being asked by some in recent weeks.

I might be wrong in another area also – it would seem a little odd to leave Raheem out of two, back-to-back ‘starting 11s’ after an upturn in performances and decent run of form in recent weeks; although it was pointed out by a number of blues following our big, big midweek win that we looked far more fluid without the England international…

Result? This is definitely a game where we don’t want to show any complacency – not only have we struggled a little at St. James’ in a few, recent seasons but also…beware an animal that’s battling for its very, Premier League life, I say; backed up also by 50,000+ screaming home fans.

However, despite what I’ve just said, I have to think that with everyone fit and with the form that we’re in; I can’t see anything other than a City win. 3 more points to us.

Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…

Prediction: Win

Result: Won

(Pre-match blog posting from that game)

Expected weather conditions during the game: Overcast, dry, a rather nippy 4C and a very light, northerly breeze. We could even see some ‘fog on the…’

Just a point of note: Of the 46, top 4-division league games that could have gone ahead this weekend, only 14 have / will play out! Wow and…yikes!

I don’t wish to sound all ‘doom & gloom’ – that’s the last thing we all need – but it really is starting to feel like everything, not just football, is very quickly grinding to a halt…

Stay safe everyone; have a great Christmas and thank you for taking the time to read.

 

v Leeds United

With limited time to spare, it’s straight to it - a game I might not get to watch, sadly, but I will try…

v Leeds United

Etihad Stadium

Predicted line-up, subs and outcome:

(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 7/11).

Fluid 4-1-5-0 / 4-6-0 / 4-3-3:

______________________________________________

 

Grealish_____________Sterling_______________Silva

 

___________Foden_____________De Bruyne________

 

_____________________Rodri_____________________

Zinchenko________________________________Walker

 

___________Laporte____________Dias____________

 

 

____________________Ederson___________________

Subs: Steffen, Ake, Stones, Fernandinho, Gundogan, Palmer, McAtee, Mahrez, Jesus.

Ederson in net.

With Cancelo suspended, Oleksandr should get another shot at left-wing back and I would say that he is highly likely to be joined by Aymeric, Ruben & Kyle.

Rodders in the ‘holder’ and ‘link-up man’ and ahead of the Spaniard is a fluid, interchangeable 5; consisting of Jack, Phil, Raheem, Kevin and Bernardo, I’d say.

Zack is the reserve stopper; Nathan & John the only defenders in ‘the 9’. Midfield / wing / attacking change-options come in the form of Fernandinho, Ilkay, Cole, James, Riyad & Gabriel.

I am in two minds about-whether to put Riyad in the starting 11 with him having seen no minutes last Saturday and seeing him ‘in there’ in place of Jack. However, with so many questions, in recent weeks, being ask of Jack in Pep’s pre-match press conferences; I just get the feeling that Guardiola will want to back up his supportive words for the England man with actions.

If I’m right, that’s not gonna go down too well with the vociferous Riyad supporters out there in ‘internet land’…

Notable absences:

-       Benjamin Mendy – Suspended by the club until further notice.

-       Joao Cancelo – Suspended for this game after his 5^th yellow card of the season in our last match.

-       Ferran Torres – Out with a foot injury until around Christmas time.

Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?

Almost. I think I WOULD be tempted to sit Jack on the bench for this one; stick Phil on the left, Bernardo in the middle with Kevin and put the hard-working Gabriel either in the middle up front or on the right.

Result? I find tonight’s visitors (8:00pm KO GMT) an odd team to work out. What’s not in doubt is their incredible work rate and the way they harass teams, which is a trait that has certainly made encounters difficult for us in recent seasons.

They have been scoring recently (4 in the last 2 games; 5 in the last 3) but, generally speaking and for all their high energy and pacey counter attacking, they seem to struggle to find the back of the net a lot of the time.

They are a side who are liable to concede too (5 in the last 2 games - 2 of 'em penalties) but, also, are more-than-capable of being just as stubborn as some of the other resilient sides we’ve faced so far this season (6 league games from 16 played where they let in just 1 goal and a couple of clean sheets in the league also).

Another factor is that they do have injuries to key players and it’s a hard game to read in many ways.

I think it’s a fixture where we need a lot of creativity in the side as well as 'energy players'; hence the team I’ve predicted our manager is gonna put out. It’s ‘an 11’ that I think will eventually break ‘em down and I’m fighting my instincts to suggest a draw here; putting us down for, instead, a narrow win. It should be a good contest…

Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…

Prediction: Win

Result: Lost

(Pre-match blog posting from that game)

Expected weather conditions during the game: Not much doin’ at all - overcast, a rather mild 9C for an evening game in mid-December, a little bit of a south-westerly breeze and no ‘wet stuff’.