Arsenal vs Manchester City predicted XI: The FA Cup is serious

Front Three

Slowly but surely, this is making itself on a match-by-match basis. Although there will always be questions when there is so much talent to choose from, not to mention the emergence of Reiss Nelson and his “reckoning” (that’s my term, but you can use it).

Nelson won’t get the start here, but I’d be surprised if he didn’t come in as a substitute earlier rather than later. Instead, Bukayo Saka will start on the right wing, as Nicolas Pepe was given an immense amount of time against Liverpool, put in a ton of work, but wasn’t all that effective. All signs point towards Saka getting the start.

Up front, Alexandre Lacazette will keep his spot. Eddie Nketiah is still suspended and Lacazette has actually been doing work lately. His thumper against Tottenham sparked a tremendous solo effort against Liverpool where he accounted for both goals, with Reiss Nelson serving as the Robin and Lacazette’s Batman.

It’s a starting XI that can do the job if they can defend. That’s the big question. Whichever defense shows up will determine how we fare.