Manchester City vs Arsenal| Saturday 17th October 17:30| Sky Sports

[Goonger]

I think Arteta will be conservative, & stick with his 343 formation, but taking what you said I'd be tempted to tweak it to get the pace up top like you said & play something like a 352 with Auba & Pepe being the 2 & playing in the half spaces between Centre back & full back to cause them issues & make them turn.

-------------------------Leno---------------------

---------Holding----Luiz----Gabriel--------
--Bellerin-----------------------------Tierney---

------------------------Partey-------------------
------------ Ceballos--------Xhaka----------

-----------------Pepe---------Auba-------------

 

[balthazar]

Who even watches that crap ?

I mean, okay, Saka's debut or so is understandable in some kind of way, but the rest is just so irrelevant.

I suppose the players enjoy it, it being an honour to represent their country and all.

 

[Uncle Good-Advice]

"hate arsenal and their coach. hope we smash them. jammy team. long ball merchants."

Think the true definition of a "jammy team" is...a team that doesn't do anything in the Premiership era except survive relegation or get relegated, until some rich **** goes "I want to buy Man United", is then told he can't, then goes "This team is close enough to that name I guess."

While I don't agree with long ball merchants tag calling us a jammy team is somewhat accurate. Just ask Liverpool or West Ham fans. I'd love to add City fans to that list

 

[Jasard]

Im not waiting the 2 weeks between games to not see Partey. Get him in the starting line up.

 

[Riou]

Another wonderful Henry comp, the way he just lifts the ball over Mills' head like Danny is nothing is perfect...


Henry, Vieira, Bergkamp, Campbell, Cole, Ljungberg, Reyes...we have been so blessed, wish we could all could back and enjoy these players even more...as great a time as we all had back then, you feel it was taken slightly for granted...

 

[SA Gunner]

Hopefully Tierney makes it for the game.

Stick with the 3 at the back formation as it works, and rather focus on bringing the forwards and midfielders closer together. I like what @Furious posted to this effect recently, keeps spaces tight, and gives us that ability to spring into action at the turnover.

Something like...

---------------Leno
------Luiz----Gabby----Tierney
Bellerin---Partey---Ceballos----AMN/Saka
---------------Willian
----------Pepe-------Auba

We can get away with a 2-1 here, as long as we stay ahead.

 

[baccy_man]

Kieren will be missing this game because he has to isolate for 14 days,
Hopefully he does not test positive for covid.
https://www.skysports.com/football/...-kieran-tierney-ryan-christie-to-self-isolate

 

[Blood on the Tracks]

I expect us to sit back, draw them on to us and do them on the break.

It's easier said than done but if we can nullify their attack we'll create good chances on the break.

I think people are underestimating how woeful City have been defensively this season so far. If we concede no more than one goal I strongly fancy us to pull off the win.

 

[bingobob]

Go at them. They look poor.

 

[DanDare]

Artetas gonna start Willian in this but I wish he wouldn't

 

[Oxeki]

Artetas gonna start Willian in this but I wish he wouldn't

If Willian start we lose.
This is a match perfect for Pepe. Pepe vs Mendy is the stuff of dreams.

 

[Rasmi]

If we sit back and they get the first goal we are done. Leeds went at them and created so many chances. If we are brave we could get something here. But Arteta is very cautious manager, specially away from home

 

[Ashybashy86]

I'm disgusted Arsenal FC are being called long-ball merchants. This is because of David Luiz. Needs to end soon.

 

[Riou]

...this victory must have felt so sweet for Arteta, got the better of Pep when it really mattered.

 

[Yousif Arsenal]

City really not look that great this start of season against Leicester and Leeds they looked very poor. But all good change if Aguero started and sterling back play LW hopefully Aguero will be on bench.

 

[Jasard]

Another 7 days FFS. The more this international break goes on the more pissed off I am they even did it. International friendlies during a pandemic... Stupid ****s.

 

[Makavelii]

I'm disgusted Arsenal FC are being called long-ball merchants. This is because of David Luiz. Needs to end soon.

Are you sure it’s not Arteta’s direction?
It would make sense Luiz would take them if Arteta instructed it since he’s our best long range passer at the back.

 

[truth_hurts]

Expecting 5 at the back and expecting to get pummelled.

We need to put it on City like Leeds and Leicester did.

 

[Big Poppa]

If we sit back and they get the first goal we are done. Leeds went at them and created so many chances. If we are brave we could get something here. But Arteta is very cautious manager, specially away from home

Literally what happened to Leicester when they beat City 5-2 and Sp**s when they beat United 6-1. If we’re done after conceding one goal, we need a serious mental examination

 

[Big Poppa]

City really not look that great this start of season against Leicester and Leeds they looked very poor. But all good change if Aguero started and sterling back play LW hopefully Aguero will be on bench.

Aguero is a game changer. I’m amazed they haven’t signed another striker in the last couple seasons. Just stockpiling attacking mids.

If Gundogan’s back and fully recovered from Covid he’ll be a big boost too.

They look very susceptible in turnovers. Critical we use pace in attack. Saka left, Pepe right, Auba through the middle.