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Home > Arsenal > CONFIRMED: Tomiyasu Returns to the Lineup, but Arteta Absent From the Sidelines | Starting XI for Arsenal Against City

CONFIRMED: Tomiyasu Returns to the Lineup, but Arteta Absent From the Sidelines | Starting XI for Arsenal Against City

Arsenal vs Manchester City, Arsenal vs Man City

Arsenal host Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Emirates on Saturday. Both teams have played at least 50% of their matches and their table positions are pretty much in sight, with the visitors taking an 8 point lead over the second-placed Chelsea. The Citizens are riding very high at the moment with a 10-game winning run in the Premier League, while the Gunners have regained form with a 5-match winning streak in all competitions.

The North London side suffered a 5-0 defeat in their previous league fixture against the current leaders, which set them for their worst start to a league campaign in 67 years. But, it was at the Etihad and Arsenal were certainly not at full squad strength.

The situation has changed. Now, the Gunners have found new hope, confidence, and rhythm. Moreover, since that defeat, the hosts have assembled 11 wins in 16 Premier League games, with 2 draws and 3 losses and are standing at 4th place on the table.

Arsenal vs Manchester City
COMPOSITE OF IMAGES – LEFT IMAGE (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) and RIGHT IMAGE (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

However, the main obstacle to a top-four finish for Arsenal is their form against the other members of the so-called ‘Top 6’ of the Premier League, having only beaten Tottenham amongst them. Most of their wins in the league have come against the minnows.

Manchester City, of course, have the upper hand against Arsenal when it comes to quality and experience on the field, but they are certainly not unbeatable. It is visible from some of their games that collective team-plays can frustrate them, allowing opponents to score against them.

Arsenal Predicted Line Up Against Manchester City

Arteta will be absent from the sidelines for the Arsenal vs Manchester City game, having tested positive for Covid-19. He and his energy will be missed from the touchline, but the team must be well aware of the Spaniard’s instructions and tactics for the game. The team only has a single change from the Norwich game – Tomiyasu replacing Holding. Let us review the lineup for today’s game.

Goalkeeper:

Aaron Ramsdale (GK): Ramsdale is an obvious choice between the sticks for the hosts. He needs to be completely focused and ready to face Guardiola’s lethal striking force.

Defence:

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB): A huge boost for the Gunners as the Japanese defender is back from quarantine. He will be of great help against the Citizens.

Ben White (RB): With Tomiyasu returning, White is back to his preferred centre-back position beside Gabriel.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB): Gabriel has been sensational this season, especially his pairing with Ben White. He needs to be rock solid at the heart of the defence if Arsenal want to come out with at least a point from the game.

Tierney (LB): Tierney will need to focus less on attack and more on the defensive end today.

Midfield:

Granit Xhaka (CM): The former Arsenal captain received a red card against Manchester City in their last match. He needs to be more careful this time and shield the defence from damage. Today, he needs to be the team’s engine to balance the offence and defence.

Thomas Partey (CM): Thomas’ run of form has been good recently, with the team well versed with the tactics and idealogy. He has to perform better than the last meeting between these two clubs.

Bukayo Saka (RM): The youngster grabbed a brace last week against Norwich and will look to add more to his tally. He will be well aware of the visitors’ high defensive standards and needs to be in his best form to score a goal.

Martin Odegaard (AM): The Norwegian midfielder has scored goals and provided assists for the team whenever needed. Even when he is not part of a goal, he certainly is involved in its build-up. He will be key to all the important plays for the Gunners on the attacking front.

Gabriel Martinelli (LM): The Brazilian has been in fine form this season. Although Martinelli had a goal disallowed (offside) at Carrow Road, he will look to catch up in the race for the top Arsenal goal scorer this season with a goal in today’s game.

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Attack:

Alexandre Lacazette (ST): The Frenchman’s contract situation is still not clear but his performance on the field has been very exciting for the fans. His plays at the front have been crucial in the past few games and might decide the outcome of the game against City too.

Predicted Arsenal vs Manchester City Score:

Arsenal have quality players on the field as displayed in the previous games. Manchester City is a difficult opponent, no doubt, but again, some of their recent wins have been patchy by their standard. The Gunners might get a chance to snatch at least a point against the league leaders

Scoreline Prediction: 1-1.

Follow AD for the latest Matchday updates on Arsenal.

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