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!