Arsenal will face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium today in the final of the Carabao Cup. At the onset, the fixture promises to be a dazzling game of football. The Gunners would be looking to restore some domestic pride, as they have fared in a sluggish manner in the league this season.
Team News
Alexandre Lacazette is still out with his knee injury along with Santi Cazorla, who is sidelined owing to his long-term heel injury. Henrikh Mkhitaryan would not be available for selection as he is cup-tied, whereas Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil should be available for selection for this massive fixture.
Goalkeeper
David Ospina is anticipated to be the one to get the nod to start ahead of Petr Cech as the custodian against the blue half of Manchester. The Columbian shot-stopper has been a reliable commodity between the sticks for Arsenal this term when called upon and deserves to start in the cup final.
Defence
A four-man defensive wall, comprising of Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny, Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal, is expected to be stationed by Wenger. It is encouraging to see that Mustafi is finally getting into a rhythm. Besides, there is no denying that Koscielny’s experience and leadership would play a key role in the game.
Bellerin’s pace and dazzling runs down the right should see him being stationed in the right-back slot. Meanwhile, Monreal has scored for fun this season and the offensive prowess that he offers should persuade Wenger to chalk him in the left-back. In a game that promises a lot of goals, the two fullbacks have an instrumental role to play.
Midfield
Mohamed Elneny is set to be partnered with Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park. While Elneny has been used sporadically this season, Xhaka has not lived up to the expectations yet. However, Arsenal do not have many options for the deeper midfield position and thus, the Swiss international could bag a place in the starting line-up.
Jack Wilshere has reclaimed his position under the tutelage of Wenger by putting forth good performances on a consistent basis and he is likely to start as the central attacking midfielder for the north London based outfit against Guardiola’s side.
Attack
Due to the absence of Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should start up front looking to expose the cracks in Manchester City’s defence. The Gabon international has the required pace and clinical ability to thrive and he should be craving to make his presence felt against a top quality side.
Ozil is expected to be placed on the right-wing to inject creativity in the final third and to create chances for his teammates and from the other side, Alex Iwobi is anticipated to start as he has been frequently used by Wenger this season.
