There will be a number of individual battles going on at the Emirates tomorrow, but who will come out on top?
If Arsenal are to have any hope of coming away with a result against the Premier League champions they will no doubt have to be at their best.
The Gunners’ star players will be involved in a number of key battles across the pitch which will be vital to the team’s success, and here’s five of them…
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5) Danny Welbeck v Vincent Kompany
If the Arsenal new boy gets thrown straight into the mix as is expected this Saturday, he will be up against one of the Premier League’s best defenders in Vincent Kompany. Welbeck will have to rely on his pace to beat the Belgian, as the City captain is sure to be too powerful for the young Englishmen.
4) Laurent Koscielny v Sergio Aguero
Arsenal will hope to have a fully fit Koscielny back after his head injury against Leicester. The Frenchman’s pace and agility could prove vital against the diminutive Argentine’s speed and trickery. If Aguero is left to Mertesacker or Chambers he could cause the Gunners’ back line some serious problems.
3) Alexis Sanchez v Gael Clichy/Alexander Kolarov
Arsene Wenger’s forward players tend to play a very fluid game, interchanging positions all across the front line. Alexis could find the most joy down the right against either former Gunner Gael Clichy, or his Serbian teammate Alexander Kolarov. The Chilean’s pace and nimble footwork is sure to cause the City defence problems, and his performance could be a deciding factor in tomorrow’s game.
2) Kieran Gibbs v Samir Nasri
Monreal has done a fine job in Gibbs’ absence, but if, as expected, the Englishmen slots straight back into the side then he will have a tough 90 minutes head of him. With Wenger’s propensity for playing one of Özil or Cazorla on the left wing, Gibbs will have very little protection against not only his former team mate Nasri, but against the marauding runs of Sagna or Zabaleta from right back.
1) Jack Wilshere v Yaya Toure
With Ramsey still a doubt to start against the Citizens, the daunting task of controlling the midfield will fall squarely on the shoulders of Jack Wilshere. Arsenal’s game depends on them controlling the midfield, and up against one of the most powerful and accomplished box to box midfielders in the world, Wilshere will have to be be on top form.