After getting hammered 3-0 by Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal are due to host Premier League leaders, Manchester City, at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday. At the moment, Manchester City are at the top of the table with 72 points to their name from 27 games whereas Arsenal have managed to secure just 45 points from 27 league outings.
These two sides would go into the fixture with contrasting ambitions. While Pep Guardiola’s entourage would be keen to strengthen their grip at the top of the table, Arsene Wenger’s side would be looking to close the gap between them and the 4th spot in the league table.
At the moment, Manchester City are at the top of the table with 72 points from 27 games whereas Arsenal have managed to secure just 45 points from 27 league outings.
Here are three key battles that could decide the outcome of the game.
#3 Laurent Koscielny vs Sergio Aguero
This is one particular battle which would be really fascinating to watch as two big names in the Premier League are due to collide with each other. Koscielny is arguably Arsenal’s best marker, whereas Sergio Aguero has been nothing less than a prolific goal machine for the Cityzens.
The Argentine has smashed 21 goals and has also notched up 5 assists from 22 league appearances and there is no denying that he will try to dissuade Guardiola from rotating him with Gabriel Jesus in the coming weeks. Koscielny has an uphill task to marshal Arsenal’s backline and he has to ensure that he prohibits Aguero from creating havoc.
#2 Mesut Ozil vs Fernandinho
Depriving Mesut Ozil of making use of space would be one of the responsibilities that Fernandinho will be tasked with. There is no denying that the German playmaker is a lethal commodity when he is on the ball and has the ability to seamlessly engineer goalscoring chances for his side.
For the blue half of Manchester, Fernandinho must try to disrupt Ozil’s rhythm. He needs to win possession, shield City’s backline and launch himself forward whenever suitable opportunities arise. The Brazilian must tackle and use his physical strengths sensibly and try to choke Arsenal’s creative engine.
#1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Aymeric Laporte
Arsenal’s January transfer window signing, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is still adjusting to life in the Premier League and he would be looking forward to making his presence felt against a top quality opposition. He was tamed by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final
The Gabon international’s entry to the Emirates Stadium was a ground-shattering move by the north London outfit and it is time for him to live up to the expectations.
Aymeric Laporte is expected to operate as the central defender for the visiting side and given the resilience that he showcases, it goes without saying that he would be a tough nut to crack.