It is a huge match tonight against Napoli and nothing less than a win will do, however, the Italians are a serious danger to our ambitions of lifting the Europa League trophy.
As I have stated many times, it is almost impossible to second guess what team Emery will put out, especially in midfield, however, I will give it a go and hopefully, my predicted line up will be close to what Emery finally goes with.
In goal I expect he will go with Cech, I wish he would not, especially in a game like this when Leno has proven himself to be very reliable but Emery is loyal and will go with the former Czech number one.
The defence will probably be the back three of Monreal, Sokratis and Mustafi, that could change if Koscielny is match fit but I suspect he will not be.
Then we will have the usual two wing backs of Maitland-Niles and Kolasinac, hopefully, they will do a better job down the flanks than they did against Everton at the weekend.
Now it gets tricky, I was tempted to go with Torreira and Ramsey in midfield, but I have this horrible feeling that Emery will start Guendouzi over Torreira.
Finally, the front three, I do expect him to stick with Ozil just behind the strikers, even though he does not deserve it, and last but not least, Lacazette and Aubameyang up front, though again, I would not be surprised if the Gabon international is benched and either Iwobi or Mkhitaryan are instead given the nod.
All said and done this is the line up for me.
Cech
Monreal
Sokratis
Mustafi
Guendouzi
Ramsey
Maitland-Niles
Kolasinac
Ozil
Lacazette
Aubameyang
With that line-up, I would seriously expect us to win – and win by a couple of goals
And my Predicted score…. 2-0
Hi i think in
Goal- leno
Defence- monreal socrats mustafi niles
Midfielder- torrera ramsey iwobi
Striker lacazette pierre ozil
I kept hoping for Laca, Auba, Ramsey, Ozil to play together and finally for the Renne game it was so. Just hoping they play tonight.
Also, watch Denis Suarez cut though Uniteds mid to put Iwobi through 82–83 min. at our last game with United.
Emery needs to start both Laca and Auba. Hopefully we will have Xhaka and Kos back as well so we can drop Mustafi. Need at least a 2-0 win today. And must keep a clean sheet. COYG
…..I seriously doubt if Ozil will start tonight…we need to press without the ball because Napoli are a different ball game all together. They beat Liverpool and they will be a tough nut to crack. If Kos is available Emery might play 4-3-3 which will be the best in my opinion.
……Cech…Monreal….Kos…. Socrates….AMN…..Torriera, Xhaka ( if available) Ramsey, Iwobi, Laca and Auba/Mkhi…….but knowing Emery he might pick something else.
Guendouzi not for me. 3 goals needed.
………….,…..,,. Cech
….. Mustafi . Sokratis . Monreal
Niles . Ramsey . Guendouzi . Kolasinac
……….,,,,,,,,,,,. Ozil
.Aubameyang ………,,,.. Lacazette
I think that is it gotanidea
We would most likely win due to the prestige of this game, although it could be by a small margin
The players are lacklustre when playing against mid-table teams, but they are usually excited in big games
I’m more worried about Watford than Napoli
Hopefully Guendouzi does not start and we have Xhaka back. Torreira also would be a better option.
Please no Cech in goal! I am so baffled as to why so many of you are putting Cech in your lineups? Do you want to win this game? This is a really tough fixture, and a season defining game, and hardly anyone wants to pick our best lineup?
I understand that a lot of managers use their second choice keeper for cup games these days, but not for games of this magnitude. Leno is our player of season. If we’re going to drop Leno, then why stop there? Let’s leave out the likes of Laca, Torreira, Auba, etc as well. Let’s play Elneny while we’re at it. Did Utd drop De Gea last night? Was Lloris dropped against City? This is Napoli we’re up against, not BATE, Rennes, Ostersunds, etc! If Emery picks an under strength team, I’ll be fuming!
Leno is a better keeper than Cech. So we’ll be weaker without him.
Cech CANNOT use his feet. Which means that Emery will have to change our tactics, unless he wants to take a huge risk?
Cech hasn’t played much football of late, so that will also be an issue.
I don’t think people are putting Cech in their teams because they want him to play but because they think the boss will pick him. I’m with you and think Leno should play and I have a feeling Emery will spring a surprise and will play Leno.
I hope Emery plays our strongest 11… no messing about tonight.. we need to perform well & win this..
I’d prefer Leno (but can’t see it happening) I hope Torreira plays (I’ve missed him) and please play Laca & Auba… as we all know our defence is very dodgy.. so we need to attack!! Hopefully we’ll score more than we concede ? COYG
No Mustafi in the side and we have a good chance.
If he persists with a similar line up like he did against Everton, we will struggle, Cech isn’t quick enough anymore, Mustafi the accident that always happens, forget the lazy player Ozil, he is finished. Torreria isn’t match fit, so he may come on as a sub, and he does know Italian teams and how they play.Maitland Niles needs to be focused. Forget Guendozi, he gets caught out too much in possession, he has a lot still to learn and this game will be too big for him. We need to have keep a clean sheet, because over there we will struggle, two goals may not be enough, we need at least three to put the game to bed, even then I would worry
Arsenal 3-1 Napoli….
Correct Score (Leaked)
Trinity
Good result 4 today