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PREVIEW: Arsenal v Man City: Injury News, Preferred XI + Prediction

By on March 28, 2014

Arsenal’s hopes of landing our first Premier League title in over 10 years will be on the line as we entertain Manchester City on Saturday.

Last weeks thrashing by Chelsea was followed up by a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Swansea City on Tuesday, which leaves us sitting fourth and six points off Jose Mourinho’s leaders.

When you also factor in City are three points above us already with two games in hand, this really is our last chance to get back in the title mix. Defeat and we’ll be fighting it out with Everton for fourth, which could get very messy when you consider the fact we’re going to Goodison Park next weekend.

So it’s not only important we get back to winning ways to keep alive hopes of an unlikely title, but the squad clearly needs a confidence boost.

Injury News

If facing a formidable City side isn’t difficult enough, our task has been made that much harder by our injury situation, as none of our injured stars are set to return this weekend.

Aaron Ramsey is expected to be back in training next week while Nacho Monreal is also a week away from returning from a foot injury, but this game comes too soon.

Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Laurent Koscielny are still weeks away from being back in contention, while Theo Walcott won’t play again this season, so we’re desperately unlucky to be without six first team players during this vital part of the season.

There is some positive news with Abou Diaby expected back in training on Tuesday, but he’ll do well to play any part of our season after over a year out.

Thankfully City will be without Sergio Aguero due to a hamstring injury, but David Silva has been passed fit after an ankle knock.

Preferred XI

I’d drop Arteta as his lack of pace is killing us in midfield, especially in the big games, while I’d also start Sanogo ahead of Giroud. Oli has looked lethargic lately and we need fresh legs up front that are going to keep the likes of Demichelis busy.

However, in reality, I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsene went with the same eleven that started against Swansea.

Prediction

I would love to predict a home win but sadly I just can’t see us having the bottle to do it. We’ve frozen in every big game this season, with the exception of the first 20 minutes versus Bayern. If we had our full team out, I’d fancy us, but this squad looks tired and lacking ideas going forward, so the best I can hope for is a draw.

Arsenal 1-1 Man City.  COYG!!!

What are your thoughts ahead of the game?

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