Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Questioning The Enemy

Arsenal travel to Etihad Stadium to face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Here’s what Larry Henry Jr. of Man City Square has to say ahead of the game.

Sunday’s game is a crucial tie for both Arsenal and Manchester City. With Chelsea winning again on Saturday, stretching their lead at the top to nine points, at least until the end of the weekend, both Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola are under pressure to keep up with the league leaders.

As part of our build-up to the 4 PM kickoff, here’s an interview with Larry Henry Jr. of Man City Square, focusing on the tactical approach of the match and the title chances of both sides.

1. How will Pep Guardiola handle the suspension of Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero? Will he look to a like-for-like replacement or will he change the setup of the side to accommodate for their absence?

I feel that Pep will continue to change the set-up of the side for each match. Against Leicester, he went with Iheanacho up top but used Nolito as a false nine in midweek. Each team provides a different challenge, and with a heavy schedule coming up, Pep will have to rest some players to avoid any more injuries. Gundogan’s latest injury doesn’t help the depth of the midfield but look for players like Fernando and Yaya Toure to step in for Fernandinho, sitting in front of the back-four.

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2. Are you a fan of the continual rotation of Kolarov/Stone/Otamendi as a centre-half or does Pep need to stick with two players without chopping and changing?

I agree that Pep needs to stay with two defenders and let them get some chemistry together. Earlier this season he stuck with Otamendi and Stones and they did well together while we dominated possession. Unless to keep players fresh and to avoid injury, Pep should stick with two guys at CB, most-likely Stones and Otamendi while Kolarov can rotate at LB with Gael Clichy.

3. Will the team click in the second half of the season under Guardiola’s ways or will they continue to splutter inconsistently?

I feel that a strong December could do wonders for the team’s confidence and title challenge. With another huge test against Liverpool to close the month, Manchester City have two chances against title challengers this month. For the Citizens to win the title this season, they need to step-up against the big boys. If they end December on a good note, then we could see a good run of form to start the new year as well.

4. Where do you think City can get at Arsenal? What weaknesses do you think can be exploited?

Arsenal have been so strong this season that it will be tough to get a win on Sunday. I feel that City’s best chance is to go through the middle of the defense. With versatile wingbacks, it will be tough to get down the wings. They are known to gain lots of possession while trying to look for the right time to attack. Keeping the ball away from Arsenal’s playmakers will be key, but hitting them on the counter I feel could be another way of getting a goal.

5. What is your result?
My result is a 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday. Both teams will try their hardest to win but overall both teams would much take a point against tough competition than a loss. After a win, Manchester City have the better confidence than Arsenal but Wenger’s side will be ready for the fight. I cannot see Arsene Wenger’s side losing back-to-back at this point, but I also can’t see Pep letting a defeat come from this match. Should be a dandy to watch!

Next: Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Combined XI

I feel that this is a very tough game for the Gunners. Away from home without Shkodran Mustafi in a game that they will likely lose the battle for possession, Wenger faces the challenge of amending an attack-minded team for what will be a defensively challenging match. There will be opportunities on the break and the victor could well be decided by how well Arsenal can take such chances.