Arsenal make the short-trip across North London to Wembley Stadium to take on Manchester City tomorrow, as they look to cement a place in the final.
Yesterday saw witness to Premier League leaders Chelsea who dispelled the challenge of close rivals Tottenham, and the Blues will be watching today’s match keenly as they await to find out their opponents for cup triumph.
Yesterday’s victors will likely go into the final as favourites somewhat, having much the better league campaign, but neither us nor City will be taken lightly in the final, and it should make for a blockbuster end-of-season finale.
Both sides come into the game with contrasting patches of form, although the Citizens will be the clear pick for form backers. They have scored three goals in each of their last two outings, earning league wins over Southampton and Hull City. Our last win was a tough 2-1 win over Middlesbrough, but were shocked by Crystal Palace before that, and have question marks raised over our recent performances.
We do have the better form at Wembley however, having won two of the last three FA Cup competitions, as well as winning the Community Shield in 2014 and 2015, to give us six competitive victories in the national stadium in the last three seasons.
We are expected to be without five key individuals today, with long-term absentee Santi Cazorla joined by Shkodran Mustafi, Lucas Perez, Danny Welbeck and David Ospina.
Predicted XI:
Cech
Gabriel Koscielny Holding
Bellerin Elneny Ramsey Oxlade
Walcott Ozil
Alexis
One worrying piece of news coming from the City camp is that exciting forward Gabriel Jesus is expected to return from injury tomorrow. The Brazilian brought a newfound excitement and energy to his side when featuring following his move in January, and could well come off the bench to turn the match.
I’ve been feeling confident all week about the upcoming match, and in typical fashion, the doubt is beginning to kick-in with the game drawing near. Hopefully Jesus isn’t fit enough to play the full 90 minutes, and Alexis and our boys will have put us too far ahead before he enters the field.
I’m going for a 2-1 win, with Alexis Sanchez to continue his fine goalscoring form of this season.
How do you see the match playing out?
Pat J
City 6 – Arsenal 0
City 3 – 1 Arse
I actually hope we lose as well. It’s not a nice feeling wishing that, but phase one of getting Wenger out is by not winning the cup, and I’d rather lose in the semi’s than a final.
Phase two of removing the dictator is missing out on the top four, which is looking very likely.
Wenger will probably stay whatever happens, but at least we have a slight chance of his departure should our woeful form continue. At the very least, he’ll be under insane pressure for once, if he stays after a pathetic season.
Am sorry, I mistakenly thumbed you down. I will never do that to a fan that wishes well for our club.
Please accept my apology mate.
Arsenal to dominate possession and have few shots on target.
City to concede possession but make much better use of goal scoring opportunities.
City 3 Arsenal 0
Very difficult to have any confidence in these players – any of them.
The days of Vieira, Adams, Campbell, Pires and Henry seem so long ago now…
If Wenger is planning to play 3 at the back then he best stick them behind Cech,otherwise we will get Hammered big time.. I’m not looking forward to this game at all.
They say that class doesn’t become ?? overnight,?
so don’t expect ?? to suddenly start playing Classy ?
This game was simulated on FIFA 17 and City won 2-0.
We all know the result…it will be a loss
Hopefully the score will not be too embarresing
Just look at our line up doesnt even strike any fear to any teams
Better to start protesting
I read that Wenger wants the Ox to stay at Arsenal for the next 10 years!
?? Like Wtf? … Is Wenger hinting that he’s going to be around for another Decade? ???
Nice to see such positivity on here
Fans out in full voice
score 3-1 to city.
Goal.com says arsenal should rebuild around ramsey lol
wat aline_up …….so weak even to defeat a under forteen team ov man city