Arsene Wenger shocked everyone by trying out a new formation (for the first time in 20 years!) last week against Middlesbrough. Arsenal may beaten Boro, but they were hardly impressive against a team that hadn’t won since December. But a win is a win and hopefully this will have given the Gunners a bit of their confidence back, but the question is whether Wenger will continue with the experiment against Man City on Sunday.
With Mustafi still out injured, it is possible Le Prof may stick with Koscielny, Holding and Gabriel at the back, but according to the Arsenal legend Martin Keown, this formation will have no chance against Pep Guardiola’s side. ‘Arsenal could easily become outnumbered in midfield if they play with a three,’ Keown said.
‘City’s wingers – Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling – will pin Nacho Monreal and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all the way back.
‘It would leave Arsenal’s two central midfielders up against Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Fernandinho. Arsenal would need Mesut Ozil to drop back into midfield to help out but I do not know if he is equipped to do that.
‘It would be safer for Arsenal to play with a four. They can push their defensive line higher to reduce the space between the midfield and the defence.’
So what do you think would be the best set-up against City? It certainly makes sense what Keown said, and with both teams being very attack minded I would think 4-4-2 would be the way forward, with Giroud and Alexis up front. Then again, with the form that Arsenal have been in, I think we should go with 6-2-2!
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