The ex-Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has been previewing Arsenal’s crucial FA Cup clash with Man City this weekend, and he expects the Gunners to lose out and add more fuel to the protests against Arsene Wenger. He wrote in the London Standard: “It is hard to see how Arsenal are going to get a result.”
“They were a little better against Middlesbrough on Monday in playing 3-4-3 and I guess Arsene Wenger had to try something after their dreadful performances in recent weeks.
“But a back three of Laurent Koscielny, Gabriel and Rob Holding doesn’t inspire me.
“Compare that to Spurs when they play the same system and I know which three I would take.
“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Nacho Monreal played wing-backs but they don’t stack up against Kyle Walker and Danny Rose.
“Wenger’s under massive pressure at the moment and although they are more worried about getting back into the top four, another failure in a big game will bring his critics out of the woodwork again.
“City are inconsistent but the problem for Arsenal is that they can suddenly click and turn it on.
“Vincent Kompany coming back in transforms their defence and their attacking players can kill you if they fancy it on the day.
“Pep Guardiola has not had the impact he wanted in his first season and will be looking to improve an awful lot next year.
“But not many managers come in and win a trophy in his first season so Guardiola will be keen to win the FA Cup so he can show people they are on the right track despite not seriously competing for the League.
“Sometimes the FA Cup semi-finals can be a non-event but these are two great games to look forward to.
“By Sunday night, two managers will be under even more pressure.” Rednapp concluded.
With Mustafi still out injured, it is possible that Wenger will stick with the 3-4-3 against City, but it is far from certain. We can only hope that the Gunners have regained some confidence and our luck in the FA Cup continues. Otherwise it could be a long hard Sunday…..
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