Following on from Wednesday's glorious victory over Liverpool, Arsenal now have a trip to Wembley for the semi final of the FA Cup against Manchester City this Saturday. Spirits will be high as a rare defensive masterclass meant Arsenal secured a somewhat unconventional win over this season's champions. However, one could argue that Liverpool had nothing to play for and were nowhere near their usual high standards which they had been all season. City, on the other hand, have everything to play for. They are still able to win two more trophies this season on top of the League Cup they won back in March, with their eyes firmly fixed upon the Champions League and the FA Cup. Furthermore, their relatively underwhelming league campaign, in which they were unable to retain their title, will only fuel their lust for success in their remaining competitions.
There has been noticeable improvement in performances at Arsenal since the appointment of Mikel Arteta especially in regards to organization to when Arsenal haven't got the ball. The defence structure has improved drastically in the last 6 months with players showing greater understanding of their roles when defending. Even going forward, Arsenal have looked more impressive with the partnership of Xhaka-Ceballos starting to dominate games and take a firm hold of matches. Lacazette has also come into a bit of form of late, putting in an incredible shift on Wednesday which earned him a goal and assist. However, despite more pleasing performances, there is still a real lack of quality at the back. David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi have shown that despite better overall defensive performances, they still are liabilities at the back with their poor concentration levels leading to rash decisions which have ultimately cost Arsenal across the season. Rob Holding put in a solid display against Liverpool and he’ll be hoping he can retain his place for Saturday over the rested Mustafi. Arteta will be hoping the players can put in another big performance on Saturday.
The team I believe we should field against City is as follows (3-4-3)
Martinez
This is a no brainer. There were question marks surrounding Emi when Leno got injured against Brighton but he has more than proved that he is capable of challenging Leno for number one when he returns. He has been commanding, a superb shot-stopper and excellent with his distribution. Arguably our best player since the restart due to his consistently good performances and will provide a good headache for Arteta when Leno returns.
Holding
A strong display against Liverpool and resolute in the challenge against one of the best wingers in the world in Mane, I think he has done enough to justify a start against City especially with Mustafi having a poor game at Spurs the week before. One of our better players on the ball at the back, hopefully he can put in a composed performance at the weekend.
Luiz
While I am by far his biggest fan, I’m not sure who else we play in the middle of a back three. His best trait is his passing so he is naturally best suited to that position. I just pray he doesn’t have to actually do any defending which is a bit optimistic. We’ll need him to be focused and be a leader at the back.
Tierney
Another easy one. One of our better players since the restart and while he isn’t the best technically, he will always give 100%. Very solid defender who can actually concentrate for long periods of time unlike the rest of our defence.
Bellerin
Hector hasn't been in the best form of late with twitter starting to make him the new scapegoat for defeats but I still think he can offer something going forward. Moreover, Cedric played against Liverpool so I presume Bellerin was being rested for this game.
Ceballos
Not sure what Mikel’s put in Dani’s weetabix since the restart but Ceballos has been exquisite in midfield recently. Defensively, he has improved massively and I think he is our most creative player in the sense he can make clever passes and have a positive impact on the transition between defence and attack. Would definitely look to at least extend his loan.
Xhaka
Been very consistent under Arteta and has really shown his value to the side. Is a very good passer of the ball and not afraid to put a foot in even if it lands him in trouble from time to time. Has also formed a good partnership with Ceballos which would be difficult to break up.
Saka
I would play Saka at left wing back over Kolasinac. He is much quicker and offers far more going forward. Always works hard and will be eager to continue to impress following his new contract.
Pepe
Wasn’t at his best against Liverpool but I think that was mainly down to the fact it wasn’t his sort of game. An undeniably gifted dribbler, high pressing will never really suit him. However, he has got lots of quality and is the kind of player that can produce a moment of magic out of nothing, For me, he has to start.
Lacazette
With Nketiah still suspended, Laca is almost guaranteed to start. I would have definitely selected him anyway as he offers so much upfront. Links the play beautifully and works tirelessly off the ball. In a good run of form too which means he will be confident in front of goal, something that has been missing up until recently.
Aubameyang
Captain definitely has to start. Top scorer for a reason, we will need him at his best if we want any chance of winning. Hasn't scored in a couple of games now so will be raring to go.
I think this team gives us the greatest chance of winning. We have to select our best eleven in such an important game in our season. If Arteta can win some silverware this season then it will send a message to the ‘big six’ that Arsenal will really mean business for next season. However, this is much easier said than done. If we’re being honest, Manchester City are miles better than us. Their starting eleven is better than ours, their depth is considerably better than ours and they have a coach who has worked with this team for the past 4 years. It’s a massive ask for Arsenal and I would not be surprised if they battered us by a humiliating scoreline. It’s not even that unlikely considering our recent performances against them. If we do get humbled, the only silver lining will be that hopefully Arteta will see what drastically needs improving for next year. I think we are in desperate need of some quality squad players. If you compare both sides' benches, the gulf in quality is mesmerizing. If we’re looking for a goal, we bring on Joe Willock. If City need a goal, they bring on Bernardo Silva, Mahrez and Jesus. That's the primary difference between these two teams. This stupid five substitutions rule doesn't help us in that regard either.
My score prediction for this game will be 2-2 AET with Arsenal to win on pens. I realise I am incredibly optimistic but I’m more of a glass half full kinda guy. Who knows, maybe the magic of the cup can lift our team to put in a massive performance. That being said, I look forward to Luiz being sent off in 5 minutes and losing 6-0.
JH
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