Can Arsenal save their season at Wembley?
The first FA Cup semi-final gets underway on Saturday evening with Arsenal taking on Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. The Gunners have a rich history in the competition but have struggled to compete with City in recent years, their last victory coming in this identical fixture. A win against Liverpool last time out will give them hope, glossing over their recent North London derby defeat. This competition is another opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s men to qualify for European football next season, such that some feel would hinder his rebuilding job more than help it. City are strong favourites.
Background
Arsenal have won three of the last six FA Cups, though have lost the last seven head-to-heads, including one since the resumption of play. Both teams have scored in the Gunners’ last three, in a sense demonstrating their defensive deficiencies that will receive an intense examination on Saturday. Arteta was victorious in this competition as City’s assistant manager, it will be interesting to see his game plan in arguably the biggest match of his tenure so far.
Ones to watch
Raheem Sterling is having another breathtaking campaign in front of goal with 27 in all competitions, the 25-year-old’s best ever return. Having ran riot in a memorable 4-0 win over Liverpool in recent weeks he will be hungry to retain the FA Cup, giving Pep Guardiola’s men the chance at achieving a cup treble with the Champions League getting underway in August. Hitting the ground running since the resumption of play the England international is a big game player and will cause havoc in this one.
With the chances of him remaining at the club for next season getting slimmer and slimmer this competition could be the final opportunity for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to win a trophy as an Arsenal player. Manchester City have shown defensive fragility this term, typically in the absence of Aymeric Laporte, the Gabon international has the ability to tear them apart. Possibly deployed alongside Alexandre Lacazette who has two goals in two games. These two are the key for being competitive in this encounter.
The reigning champions are far superior and will expose Arsenal’s defensive problems no matter what attacking contingent Guardiola’s goes with. Fringe men like Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden will be ready to take their chance if handed to them. Both sides are more impressive in offensive areas.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal meant business, with their best result of the season, a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace saw them win 2-0.