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Arsenal will take on Manchester City at home in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, and the game will be a good distraction from their terrible run in the Premier League.
Arsenal are currently 15th in the league table and are winless since early November when they beat Manchester United at home.
Mikel Arteta’s men have done well in the cup competitions and will look to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup at Manchester City’s expense.
Pep Guardiola’s side have had a strange few months, but many deem this as a transitional season for them as they are trying to integrate some new faces into the team. Usually known for their fluid football, City have managed to grind out results this season and have the best defence in the Premier League.
Despite Arsenal’s poor record, we expect a fierce encounter at the Emirates come Tuesday, and here are five key battles to watch out for:
#1 Gabriel vs Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero has had an injury nightmare in the last year or so. He has now returned to the team and will look for a sustained run of games to get back into his usual goal-scoring rhythm.
Now at the twilight of his career, he isn’t the same player he once was a few years ago. However, he has evolved into a more complete striker under Pep Guardiola.
On Tuesday, Aguero is likely to come up against Gabriel. The Brazilian centre-back has been one of the best players for Arsenal this season.
Manchester City have not been scoring as many goals as they usually do, but Aguero’s return could change all that. The Argentine is usually deadly in and around the penalty box, and Gabriel and the rest of the Arsenal defenders cannot afford to give him any room.
Aguero’s last goal came in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League, and he will hope to get on the score-sheet again to help his side progress in the EFL Cup.
#2 Bukayo Saka vs Kyle Walker
No one expected young Bukayo Saka to be Arsenal’s biggest threat at this stage of the season. The 19-year-old has been a breath of fresh air at the club and has often looked like the only player who can create something in the team.
Saka is likely to be up against Kyle Walker, who has been solid for Manchester City this season. The 30-year-old has the pace and strength to dominate one-on-one duels, and his positioning has been the most improved aspect of his game under Guardiola.
It’s going to be an interesting battle between one of the most experienced players in the league and one who has a bright future. Arsenal are likely to play on the break, so Saka’s dribbling and direct running will be key during the transitions.
#3 Dani Ceballos vs Kevin De Bruyne
Mikel Arteta will rue not having Thomas Partey for this clash as it’s the kind of game where his influence will be key. With someone like Kevin De Bruyne to deal with, Arsenal need a player with discipline and ability to put in a tackle when needed.
Dani Ceballos is expected to feature in a central midfield role, and he will have the tough task of stopping De Bruyne from making an impact on the game. Having said that, Ceballos has his own tricks up his sleeve.
The Spaniard is the most creative midfield player that Arsenal have, apart from a frozen-out Mesut Ozil, and Manchester City cannot afford to allow him time and space on the ball when Arsenal have possession.
Arsenal’s biggest chances will come through the transitions, and Ceballos is likely to be a key component as most of the attacking moves start through him.
If De Bruyne has a good game, City usually win. Ceballos will have to stop the threat of the Belgian and weave his own magic on the pitch for Arsenal to cause an upset.
#4 Nicolas Pepe vs Benjamin Mendy
Nicolas Pepe has it in him to trouble defenders with his pace and trickery but has been far too inconsistent since joining Arsenal. He has scored just two goals in the league so far this season and has looked like a player bereft of confidence, much like the rest of the Arsenal team.
However, he will have the opportunity to test Manchester City’s weak link, which happens to be Benjamin Mendy. The Frenchman often loses concentration and isn’t the best of players when it comes to defending, though he is a good attacking full-back. Unlike Walker, his positioning sense isn’t the greatest, and that’s where Pepe can test the full-back.
Pepe needs to replicate his Europa League form on Tuesday as Arsenal are in dire need of some flair in attack. If he manages to get the better of Mendy, Arsenal could have a chance of scoring in the game, something they have struggled to do of late.
#5 Bernd Leno vs Ederson
It’s clear that Arteta wants his side to play out from the back, and they haven’t been very successful at it.
Bernd Leno needs to step up in terms of his distribution come Tuesday as he will have to look for the quick releases to catch the Manchester City defence off guard. There’s no doubting his shot-stopping ability, but he isn’t as good as Ederson with the ball at his feet.
The Manchester City custodian still has a few mistakes in him as his decision-making can be culpable at times. Arsenal are likely to cross the ball several times judging by their attacking patterns of late, so he will have to command his area well.
