Manchester City is anticipated to present an altered lineup when they confront Arsenal this weekend, following the injuries sustained by John Stones and Kyle Walker during the international break.
Stones and Walker are integral components of the City squad, often proving to be decisive factors in matches involving the defending champions. However, their absence due to injuries suffered while on England duty means they will be sidelined for the crucial fixture against Arsenal.
Despite City boasting one of the most financially endowed squads in global football, with ample talent to fill the void left by Stones and Walker, Martin Keown anticipates that their absence could make City more vulnerable and easier to defeat compared to when they have the duo in their lineup.
He writes in the Daily Mail:
‘Guardiola will be forced into changing his backline which, from right to left, will most likely consist of Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake.
‘That is hardly a bad four to turn to and, unlike Walker, I suspect Akanji will be told to move into midfield so Arsenal do not overwhelm City there. It would be risky for that role to be given to Ake because he will be focusing on Bukayo Saka.’
Just Arsenal Opinion
City remains one of the strongest clubs in European football and we will face a tough side no matter who plays.
Our players cannot get carried away by the news of Walker and Stones’ injuries because the Citizens have players who can step up and win the game in their absence.
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Let the Gunners take advantage of any changes which Pep Guardiola could introduce to his Citizens team. And beat them squarely in the match.
Even if Pep does not introduce any changes to his team for the match but stick to his regular preferred starting team. The Gunners SHOULD still cave out chances in the game to beat the Citizens. And cave them out and bury them unfailingly. While in the order hand, their match defending in the game SHOULD be at top notch level in the match. Which SHOULD totally deny any marauding Citizen the chance to breach their fort to score.
Final scores:
MNC 0-4 ARS. A wallop!