Holla, our torrid start to the 2021/22 Premier League continues and likely to be put to final test today as we prepares for a trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on the title holders Manchester City.
The 2-0 defeat at Brentford was followed up with another lost at home to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side. The below-par performances from the team has seen questions raised over the future of Mikel Arteta’s as the Gunners boss and a win today would go a long way to ease pressure up his sleeves.
That said, let take a look at our predicted lineup for today:
1. Between the sticks and in defence
Bernd Leno (GK) :- Aaron Ramsdale is gunning for his spot, but Leno will likely retain his place for a little while longer at least.
Cedric Soares (RB) :- With Hector Bellerin still pushing to leave, Arteta doesn’t have many options on the right. Expect Cedric to start ahead of Calum Chambers.
Rob Holding (CB) :- Gabriel is back in training but isn’t ready to return yet, while Ben White remains out with COVID-19, so Holding will keep his spot here.
Pablo Mari (CB) :- Injuries mean Arsenal don’t have any other options at centre-back. Mari will start.
Kieran Tierney (LB) :- The star of Arsenal’s defence, Tierney had a rough day against Chelsea but will be determined to bounce back with a bang for this one.
Prediction:
As a die-hard Gunner, I would never put a bet up against my club and owing that, I’m still of the opinion seeing my side get a point today at the Etihad, if not three points betting with soccer-tips.
2. Middle of park and the midfield
Granit Xhaka (DM) :- Once billed as a potential replacement for Rodri at Atletico Madrid, Xhaka will be directly up against the Spaniard on Saturday.
Albert Sambi Lokonga (DM) :- With Thomas Partey still out injured, Lokonga’s baptism of fire is set to continue.
Bukayo Saka (RM) :- Saka has been battling a minor knee injury but is likely to be fit enough to start.
Martin Odegaard (AM) :- Fresh off completing 60 minutes against West Brom in midweek, Odegaard will make his return to Premier League action against City.
Emile Smith Rowe (LM) :- Likely to start on the left on paper, expect Smith Rowe to rotate with Odegaard to try and overwhelm City’s back line.
3. In attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) :- Back from COVID-19, Aubameyang should be ready to go for this one and he may end up rotating his time with Alexandre Lacazette, whose recovery from the virus is a little behind his team-mate’s.
