Arsenal predicted lineup vs Man City: A chance to rotate?

Heading into Arsenal’s home fixture against Manchester City tomorrow, Mikel Arteta faces a dilemma: stick with the same team that played against Benfica and risk injuries/fatigue, or, rotate?

Given the fact that a place in the Europa League is still up for grabs for both Benfica and Arsenal following their 1-1 draw on Thursday, it’d make sense if Arteta elected to start a strong XI against the Portuguese side again in the second leg. Thus, resting some of his stars prior to that game would make sense.

However, the threat Manchester City will pose on Sunday can’t be underestimated. It’s unquestionable. Pep Guardiola’s side are flying at the top of the Premier League and too much rotation from Arteta could lead to the Citizens tearing Arsenal to shreds.

It’ll be interesting to see whether the Arsenal boss sends out his team with a defensive or offensive emphasis against a side he views to be the best in Europe. At the end of last season, Arsenal adopted a somewhat negative approach against City in the FA Cup semi-final, setting up in a five-at-the-back system, but the Gunners appear to have moved past that formation now.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday

It’s expected that Arteta will continue to deploy the 4-2-3-1 which has served him well in recent weeks even if there is a chance he reverts to a strong defensive structure, aiming to sit in a low block to undermine Manchester City’s free flowing approach.

Onto the lineup.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – It’ll likely be a busy day at the office for Bernd Leno on Sunday. Goalkeepers fortunately can play numerous games in a congested period without needing a rest so Maty Ryan won’t need to be called upon against Man City.

Çedric (RB) – At right-back, Çedric should start ahead of Hector Bellerìn. The Spaniard played the full 90′ in Rome on Thursday, providing an attacking threat all evening, so he should be protected ahead of the second leg. Çedric will have some job on his hands regardless of who his opposite man is on Sunday given City’s attacking quality, so he’ll need to be switched on defensively.

Rob Holding (CB) – As for the right-sided centre-half, Rob Holding should replace David Luiz. It’s easy to forget the Brazilian veteran is 33 years old and the busy fixture list is likely taking a toll on his body. Holding is also the superior player defensively, which should count in his favour ahead of such a tough game.

Gabriel (CB) – Former Lille centre-back Gabriel appears to be getting back to his best after a slight rocky patch. His pass in the build up to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s first goal against Leeds was crucial, and defensively he was superb against Benfica. More of the same required.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – After coming on for Çedric during the latter stages of the second half against Benfica on Thursday, it was clear Kieran Tierney was lacking match sharpness. How does one regain match sharpness? By playing matches. He should start against City with a view to getting him ready for the second leg against Benfica.