Arsenal players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Arsenal play host to Manchester City on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium in a thrilling FA Cup semifinal encounter.
Mikel Arteta’s men will be heading into this game on the back of a narrow 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the league. They have done quite well under Arteta in the last few games but they are yet to really get going in full throttle. However, a victory on Saturday could put them on course for their first trophy under their new manager.
On the hand, City have been in good nick and would be aiming to get their hands on another title after winning the League Cup earlier in the campaign.
Injuries have been a major concern for Arteta throughout the campaign. Calum Chambers, Gabriel Martinelli, Mesut Ozil and Pablo Marri have missed the last few games and are expected to continue on the sidelines.
Bernd Leno will be a notable absentee after he picked up an injury against Brighton. Eddie Nketiah is serving a suspension and Matteo Guendouzi hasn’t returned to the squad due to other reasons.
The Argentine shot-stopper has grabbed his opportunity well and has been in terrific form in the last few games. He is the first-choice goalkeeper at the moment and will continue in goal.
Having missed the majority of the campaign due to injury, Holding has done enough to convince the manager to start regularly. He was brilliant in the game against Liverpool and should be able to get another start.
The former Chelsea man has not been at his best this season but he is expected to lead the Gunners defence. He should manage to keep himself away from making errors.
The Scottish international seems to have claimed the spot for himself. He was brilliant in keeping Mohamed Salah quiet in the last outing and will be expected to continue with the fine form.
Bellerin should be given the nod ahead of Cedric Soares as he is the first-choice right-back. The Spaniard will be expected to make major contributions at both ends of the pitch.
The teenager’s versatility has been a huge boost to the squad. He is one of the best players in the squad at the moment and is a key figure despite his tender age.
Xhaka seems to be a completely different player in the second half of the ongoing season. He has contributed in both the midfield and defence, and will be a key player for the game against City.
The Uruguayan’s return from injury has been a boost to the squad as Guendouzi has been frozen out. Torreira will be key in breaking City’s defence, much like he did against Liverpool in midweek.
Pepe is capable of making the defenders dance to his tunes but has never really made a mark in his debut season at Emirates. He should be given the nod ahead of the others.
The 31-year-old has been in sensational form since his arrival in London. Though he hasn’t featured in any of the FA Cup fixtures so far, he should be starting in this crucial encounter.
The Frenchman seems to be regaining his goalscoring touch after bagging two in the last two games. He will be leading line and should inspire Arsenal to a victory on Saturday.
