Arsenal vs Manchester City: Predicted starting XI for massive opener

Attack

I just have trouble wrapping my head around Emery continuing with using Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a winger, like Arsene Wenger did. While it certainly works, and should be reverted to if all else fails, his best position, and the position he most wants to play, is as an actual striker.

The preseason was about experimentation. I have to believe that Emery knew what he wanted out of his team from the moment he signed on. He said he wants to maximize the talent that he has, so other than a few key adjustments, not much else figures to change, except doing exactly as he said – maximizing what he has.

Putting Aubameyang up front next to Alexandre Lacazette is a dream that Gooners around the world have been having nightly for years. Not those two, specifically, but any two. Emery has to be aware of that.

This formation, with this personnel, is the best way to put his best foot forward. Let the best players play in their best possible position and what complains can we actually have if things don’t work out?

There were a lot of broken things about the Wenger era, but the personnel was not it. Particularly not at the end.