Arsenal predicted lineup vs Man City: 3-4-3 return with Odegaard?

Midfielders

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – The young midfielder once again faces a tough ask. To think since he’s left Belgium he’s already faced Tottenham, Chelsea, Brentford and Chelsea again in his first outings for the club (Millwall too) and will now have the small matter of Manchester City to contend with.

His qualities on the ball are plain to see but it’s his work off it that will be most important on Saturday. Sambi has to be scanning the areas around him and tracking his runners.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – There needs to be some symmetry for this game between Xhaka and Sambi, unlike against the Blues where he dropped into defence and the Belgian was left all on his own in a vacated midfield.

That’s not a criticism of Xhaka, and more likely a tactical error from the manager. With no other options to choose from, it’ll be these two in the centre once more.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – Not bad for a second debut! Getting the 60 minutes as would have been agreed pre-match, the Norwegian showed plenty of the silkiness on the ball that endeared him to (some) fans last season in that 6-0 romp.

Arsenal won’t have much joy in this fixture if Odegaard isn’t involved, as it’s his vision that will help unlock and unleash his teammates. Certain to start, no doubt.