Who Should Start for Arsenal Against Big Spenders Manchester City?

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Arsenal's emphatic run ended at the hands of Manchester United two weeks ago, and the Gunners will be eager to return to their winning ways. Arsenal have displayed impressive defence and attack in their recent performances and will hope to put a couple past overpriced Manchester City.

City, who spend a truckload of cash restocking their squad, are in good form, and this encounter will be a tough one for Arsene Wenger and his men.

So who should start?

Defence

The two goals that were conceded against United cannot really be blamed on the backline. Manuel Almunia is to blame for the first one and Abou Diaby for the second. However, Mark Hughes' side boast an expensive yet strong attack. The likes of Robinho, former Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor, and Stephen Ireland have all proven to be handfuls.

None of the usual starting back four are suffering injuries, so expect to see a routine defence of Bacary Sagna probing on the right, William Gallas and Player of the Month Thomas Vermaelen in the middle, and Gael Clichy covering the left.

Almunia will, as usual, play goalkeeper.

Midfield

The Arsenal midfield has erased the poor moments from last season and drawn up some impressive form. The new-look formation has suited the Arsenal midfielders, and it's no surprise most of the goals have come from them. Wenger has a difficult task deciding a starting midfield.

Cesc Fabregas should be returning from the injury that kept him out of the United clash, whilst Theo Walcott is also expected to return. Another huge boost is that Tomas Rosicky, who has not played for the Gunners in almost two years, is set to make his comeback against City.

The Czech has been out of action since January 2008 with numerous leg injuries but has finally recovered.

The likes of Alexandre Song, Denilson, Abou Diaby, and Emmanuel Eboue will also push for selection.

Wenger will probably opt for Song playing the defensive role and captain Fabregas playing just behind the strikers, with Diaby patrolling on a wing. That could easily change. It is unclear what formation Wenger will go with.

Forwards

The Arsenal forwards have set up more goals then they have scored, which is surprising as Arsenal boast a solid forward pack. Robin van Persie has been in strong form but amazingly has not found the net. The same with Nicklas Bendtner.

Wenger may choose to go three up front with the lanky Dane Bendtner on the right, in-form Russian magician Andrei Arshavin on the left, and van Persie shooting up the middle.

Substitutes

Wenger has a handful of stars to have on his bench. Vito Mannone will take the lone keeper role, whilst Mikael Silvestre will be the backup defender. Rosicky, Denilson, Eboue, Walcott, and Aaron Ramsey will receive the remaining seats.

Of course, all these could easily change.

Arsenal will be eager to show that spending money does not guarantee success. A tough challenge for the Gunners, but if they play like they have been playing and don't commit the acts they committed against United, then a win is at hand for Arsenal.

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