Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Predicted starting XI – Here come the big guns

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal reacts during UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Arsenal and Ostersunds FK at the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal reacts during UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Arsenal and Ostersunds FK at the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Jack Wilshere
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 24: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal reacts during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg at Emirates Stadium on January 24, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Central Midfield

This where Wenger perhaps has the most options. With Alexandre Lacazette out injured and Henrikh Mkhitaryan cup-tied, he does not actually have that many alternatives in the attacking positions. But in midfield, there is a great array of avenues to explore.

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The biggest question mark, and decision that will have the most significant ramifications on the rest of the line-up, is the fitness of Aaron Ramsey.  The Welshman returned to training this week after dealing with a groin injury and Wenger was tentative to answer questions on his availability in his pre-match press conference, but if he is fit enough to play, it is difficult to see how Wenger could resist starting him.

As such, I believe that Ramsey will play. Alongside him, it would be shocking to not see Granit Xhaka start, who only played 45 minutes across the last two matches, and I also predict that Jack Wilshere will start.

Wenger will likely want to compact the midfield to restrict the flowing football of City through the central areas. The presence of both Wilshere and Ramsey, flanking the anchoring Xhaka, will certainly provide the personnel to do that. But it is much easier said than done.