Okay so today I decided to take a crack at predicting what Arteta might do for the big City game this weekend. You know me, I can’t resist scribbling down these lineup thoughts whenever the fixtures heat up.
Started like I always do: staring at my slightly messy whiteboard where I track the team. First thing I did was grab the latest injury reports buzzing around. That Ben White news hit me like a bad cup of tea – still not right? Really hoping that’s just smoke, we need him out there. Gabriel Jesus is the other one, seems to be doing extra work to try and make it. Crossed fingers hard on that.
Then the puzzle began: I knew the big question was the back four, especially if Benny Blanco is out. Do we see Tomi come straight back in? Or maybe Takehiro gets pushed to the right and Jakub slots in on the left? Felt like my first proper headache of the morning.
Next bit was thinking about midfield: This felt slightly easier. Thomas Partey just looks so much more solid when he’s out there. Jorginho played well last time but… City? Different animal entirely. So Thomas anchoring felt like a no-brainer to me. Then it was the big duo: Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Rice is everywhere, tackling everything. Odegaard is just pure class on the ball. Both had to be in from the start, simple as that.
The attacking spots: Oh, this is where I scratched my head. Who leads the line? I thought about Eddie Nketiah giving it a go again. But honestly, playing against those City defenders? Feels like he needs a rocket boot. Then I remembered that Leandro Trossard has this knack for popping up. Started thinking maybe, just maybe, Mikel goes with Kai Havertz up there? The guy’s been looking better, he works hard, holds the ball well… maybe it’s time to try him as the main guy? Big call, that. Decided to put him down tentatively.
And then the flanks: Easy choices for me. Bukayo Saka on the right, obviously. Who else? On the left, Gabriel Martinelli. Speed, trickery, pressing like mad. Perfect against Kyle Walker if he’s playing. Trossard feels like he could start on the left instead, but Martinelli’s energy for a game like this? Too much to leave out.
Formation thoughts: Kept coming back to the reliable 4-3-3. We’ve used it loads, the players know it inside out. Tried sketching a crazy 3-5-2 for a second with Zinchenko tucking in, but nah… seemed too much fiddling for such a massive game. Stick with what works best.
Here’s what I ended up scribbling on my whiteboard after all that thinking and crossing things out:
- Keeper: Big Ramsdale
- Defence: Tomiyasu (hopefully!), Saliba, Big Gabi, Zinchenko
- Midfield: Partey sitting deep, Rice & Odegaard buzzing around
- Attack: Saka – Havertz – Martinelli
What do I think Mikel will actually do? Honestly? If Ben White isn’t fit, I reckon he’ll trust Tomiyasu at right-back. Seems the obvious switch. Up front is the big gamble. Does he trust Kai? Go with Eddie? Maybe even a curveball like Trossard through the middle? I stuck with Kai in my prediction, but I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the gaffer picks someone else. It’s that kinda headache-inducing choice!
