Arsenal can make a Merry Christmas for themselves by grabbing a win against Manchester City tonight, knowing that they are capable of defeating their only real title rivals.
Though Leicester are currently sat atop the Premier League table, the general consensus is that the Foxes title challenge will run out of steam sooner or later and that City are the only real challengers that could stop the Gunners from lifting the trophy.
Luckily for Arsenal, they didn’t pick up any new injuries during last weekend’s clash with Aston Villa. However, key man Alexis Sanchez is yet to fully recover from his injury problems and will miss the meeting with Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
See how they’ll line up below…
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GK: Petr Cech
The veteran stopper has proved that he is still top class at this level and has already been worth the outlay.
RB: Hector Bellerin
Now back to full fitness himself, his influence on the right could prove vital.
CB: Per Mertesacker
Mertesacker is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance himself this season, though he will have his hands full against City.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
Likewise, the Frenchman has stepped up his own form this term.
RB: Nacho Monreal
Monreal has been keeping Gibbs out of the starting line up recently, and will likely do the same this week.
CM: Mathieu Flamini
Flamini has stepped into the breach in Coquelin’s absence, and has performed well enough to prevent anyone from panicking.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman showed last week how pivotal he can be in his favoured midfield role, and will be expected to cause City all manner of problems.
RAM: Theo Walcott
Also recently returned from injury, he and Bellerin will be a difficult proposition out on the right.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
Ozil will be chief creator in Sanchez’s absence.
LAM: Joel Campbell
Campbell will likely get the nod over Oxlade-Chamberlain thanks to his fine form recently.
ST: Olivier Giroud
Giroud is currently enjoying a real purple patch and if given half the chance will punish City.