Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola clash this weekend, in a battle of a once great innovator and one of the most influential managers in history that could be vastly significant in the second half of the campaign.
Manchester City are looking secure in the top four, but defeat here could certainly raise questions about that status. Arsenal, meanwhile, are firmly in the chasing pack and cannot afford to lose further ground.
Big games are inevitably torturous for the Gunners. Each time there will be optimism, but so often it comes crumbling down in the most dramatic manner. Wenger is under severe pressure and the atmosphere could once again be toxic at their home stadium despite the importance of the fixture.
One thing we can be sure of is that this match will be the perfect tonic after the tedium of international football. Attacking play shall be the order of the day and literally anything could happen.
Here are THREE battles that may well decide the result…
Hector Bellerin vs. Leroy Sane
Fighting fire with fire is the idea both of these managers have represented for much of their careers. In Leroy Sane against Hector Bellerin, that fire is electric speed and we could be set for a few breath-taking sprints down Arsenal’s left flank.
Sane is one of the world’s most dangerous wingers, even at his young age, and will test Bellerin in a way he seldom faces. Bellerin’s attacking instincts must not be restricted by the presence of Sane, but should the German find space to run into down the wing it could quickly get very ugly for the Gunners.
Granit Xhaka vs. David Silva
David Silva is back to his brilliant, creative best. Given the freedom to drift around the field and operate from different depths, the Spaniard could torment an Arsenal midfield that easily loses its shape.
Granit Xhaka must be more disciplined tactically and read the game well, while receiving the support of his midfield partner to avoid Silva pulling the strings that could tear Arsenal to shreds.
Whoever Xhaka’s midfield partner is will have to carry some of the burden as they try to avoid Silva or Kevin De Bruyne exposing their still indifferent back line.
Alexis Sanchez vs. Bacary Sagna
Arsenal need Alexis Sanchez at his best if they are to stand a chance. Whether as an inside forward operating from the left or as the central striker, the Chilean is Arsenal’s most important player and the Gunners can only hope that rumours of a transfer away from the club are nothing more than that.
Should he play on the left, Bacary Sagna will be in for a tricky afternoon. Experienced and one of City’s few reliable defenders, the Frenchman may struggle to cope with Alexis’ physicality which could give Arsenal a glimmer of hope.
