Premier League 2018-19: Manchester City vs Arsenal Preview

Arsenal's defence - can it hold at the Etihad?

Arsenal's defence has been much mocked and criticised this season. This is in part due to organisational issues, and poor marking and tracking of opponents.

As City are favourites in this game, then this is a major reason why.

Laurent Koscielny may be back for this game

Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, and Leroy Sane, are all prime threats that Arsenal must face, and a potent attack vs. a weak defence only has one outcome.

To Arsenal's credit though, head coach Unai Emery has been largely adept at making tactical changes. He will need to do so, considering the scale of City's attacking options.

This could result in a formation change, or just being more disciplined off the ball. In part, the defence is weak because of injuries to Sokratis, Holding, Koscielny, and Monreal. However, even with a fully fit defence, Arsenal has made errors at the back, as Emery says that Koscienly may recover from a knock he received in the FA Cup defeat to Man United.

Emery will need a tactical grand plan to secure a good result here, though the presence of Aubameyang and Lacazette could give City problems. The former is competing at the top of the scoring charts - whilst the latter is proving to be one of the best all-around forwards in the league. Both need to be on it to ensure Arsenal get a result.