FA Cup Final eve, and excitement is building. It may not be the Merry Month of May, but we have the opportunity to add a 14th FA Cup to our honours board.
I think most people, if asked what team Mikel Arteta will pick tomorrow (rather than what they would pick), will have very similar answers. Emi in goal, Xhaka and Ceba in midfield, Pepe, Auba and Laca as the front 3. Due to injuries, Luiz and Holding will be in the back 3.
The postitions most likely to see different opinions are the wing backs.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has jumped to the top of the list for many Arsenal fans in recent weeks. His sub appearance against Wolves and the FA Cup semi-final start have elevated him to what many see as a certain starter tomorrow. Of course, both those games saw him play on the left.
Hector Bellerin has found game time hard to come by due to injuries, only starting 19 times all season. He wasn't used in the last 3 PL games, although he did play the whole 90 against Man City in the semi. One positive for Bellerin is he has developed a little habit of scoring against Chelsea. 2 of his last 3 goals have come against tomorrows opposition.
There is the possibility of Sead Kolasinac starting at LCB, so Kieran Tierney is a very viable possibilty at LWB. I think a lot of fans would see this as his best position, but playing Kola is something they would prefer to avoid. An alternative is to play Sead at LWB where his defensive deficiencies will be in some part negated, with Tierney at LCB.
The final player to be considered is our young player of the year, the versatile Bukayo Saka. His season deserves the reward of a start, but his recent form has not been at the height of his best form.
Tbh, if I had to pick I would go with AMN and Saka. I think Arteta will go with Bellerin and AMN, but cannot shake off the fear of Sead Kolasinac at LCB.
Who knows, Arteta may not even go with a 3-4-3, and look to surprise Chelsea (and me).
Wing backs.
posted on 31/7/20
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posted on 31/7/20
Two hotshot young managers on the cusp of winning their first major trophy. One of them is bound to feck up his selections by trying to be too clever. I just hope it's not Arteta.
Most of the attention will be focused on the wide attacking threat from Pulisic/Willian/Mount. But my main concern is the attacking width provided by Marcos Alonso and Azpilicueta. Two players who you can always count on to overload our flanks and wreck our best laid defensive plans.
Doesn't really matter if we set up with 2 or 3 CBs at the heart of defence. I expect all of them to have their hands full as a result of Lampard ram-raiding our 6-yard box with Giroud.
But it's a futile exercise going into a one-legged final with a defensive setup. We need all the goals we can get with what we have available.
I'd go for a back 3 with Holding, Luiz & Tierney. With Hector at RWB, and Saka at LWB. Go all out for an early goal and then bring in AMN to see the game out.
We're also bound to suffer a booking or knock to our defensive players. AMN is versatile enough to come in anywhere and steady the ship.
posted on 31/7/20
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posted on 31/7/20
Good luck Arsenal, Arteta was tactically spot on against City, and I think it will need to be the same again in terms of individual effort to see you over the line - Chelsea have some brilliant, dangerous players at the moment. Hope you win it though, one of my best mates is a Gooner, and with a 1 year old and a 3 year old at home I think a decent cup final will be a welcome bit of escapism for 90 minutes for him!
posted on 31/7/20
Thanks bean.
posted on 31/7/20
I would like AMN and Saka, but think he'll go with Bellerin and AMN
posted on 31/7/20
comment by Tu Meke - He'sGotRedHair! (U3732)
posted 1 minute ago
I would like AMN and Saka, but think he'll go with Bellerin and AMN
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I think I speak for everyone when I say ABSK
posted on 31/7/20
Can't attack, can't defend. Massive wages.
The absolute pinnacle of our shiiiiiiit transfer dealings last few years.
posted on 31/7/20
2020 cup will go nicely with the 1930 and 1950 cups. Arteta hopefully springs a surprise and has Wenger on the bench with him.