The arse preview

No Delphy, Gundogan, Fernandinho and Aguero. Fabulous. Imagine Sanchez, Ozil, Ox, Walcott and others against Kolarov, Zabaleta, Fernando. Fabulous. On the up side, we should see a 4-1-4-1 return, Yaya into a deeper role and more expressiveness up front. BTTS is a cert and the game could go either way, I'll go for 3-2 Arsenal. I'm not confident but Fernandinho is back on Boxing day so every cloud aye. 

I think we might see the same back 4 as Wednesday night (why change, it was a clean sheet and no one is injured). Zaba did so well at RB, Sanchez will be up front so he'll have Iwobi for company, sometimes Ox or Walcott so it's no easy task. Another good game from him could decide the game. Arsenal's threat comes down the middle and the trickery of Sanchez so a big game for the CB's and Fernando (if he plays). We could see Stones in place of Clichy but I think Clichy's pace may suit City more than Kolarov. Kolarov might not play, but he was ok against Watford. I think Stones would suit the game more, if he organises himself. Otamendi will be the heart. If Sagna plays, Zaba may be in CDM, don't rule that out. I'd go for Fernando though. Yaya won't suit the game but I don't think City have many options. KDB and Silva could occupy there, that is really attacking. Don't rule that out. City will use pace on the wings, so Sterling is a starter, Sane or Navas too and i'd like to see Nolito up top as the 6th midfielder. City are going to pack the middle. Wings are key to this game and i think City's wingers are slightly stronger. They are the home team so it's up to City to show they are better, stronger and quicker. If they don't they won't win and if Arsenal do show that, they will win. Arsenal are quality and quick, everything City struggle against and I think Pep will alter the team, experiment and ultimately, lose again at home. I hope not. 

I don't think there is much more to add. Arsenal's defence are quick, Bellerin will get forward so City need their wits about them. Play well from kick off until the full time whistle. They cannot drop off. This is a must win match and if they can win, the season can be recovered. A top 4 place is good, a top 3 place is progress from last season. Chelsea will win the league, they can't stop winning and aren't evening playing that well. They have no pressure and no pile up. No European football and only the FA Cup to go for (I suspect they may chuck that if they look really good for the title, like Leicester last season). 

I think Arsenal will win this game. There will be goals and I hope I am wrong and I have a lot of positivity to write about on Monday. Wouldn't that be nice? 

Team prediction - 

Bravo, Zabaleta, Otamendi, Kolarov, Clichy, Fernando, Yaya Toure, De Bruyne, Silva, Nolito, Sterling.