***City v Arsenal Official Match Thread***

[nottsblue]

So this is it. The match, certainly for us, will play a huge role in the title race. You’d think we have to win, because games are running out to catch up if we don’t. And to this end I think that could very well dictate Arteta and Arsenal’s game plan. A draw would be a good result for them and would probably knock the wind out of our sails.

But. We are in good form. We are creating lots of chances and let’s back our boys to take a few. The League Cup victory will be at the back of Arsenal’s mind as they know we have the beating of them. And in the reverse fixture we very nearly won and would have done if Foden hadn’t fucked up the two on one break in the second half. We are rested as well, though the flip side of that is Arsenal have the euphoria of reaching the CL semi finals

I think we will win and win well

4-0 Haaland (2) Cherki Semenyo

[carl_feedthegoat]

I cannot wait to see the viewing figures for this match - My deluded friends who worship the 'Superbowl" are going to have to receive another lesson in facts and figures.

[CBEM]

I know we have played some games that felt big but this game really does feel bigger somehow. We will win today because we are better than Arsenal and Arsenal are mentally fragile, I'm going to go one further I believe we will steam roller them.

That isn't boasting it's just a confident assessment of what I believe will happen.

A Bernie masterclass will go down a treat please.

[salford city]

The next must win game. On my way from Gatwick to Euston. Will be a laugh with all the gooners on the rattler up to piccadilly. Same team as Chelsea but let's start a bit quicker please. Expecting Arsenal to sit back but they may surprise us all and attack. If we were them, I'd want to finish it today so who lnows.

[Mase]

At my daughter's game this morning - she's got two goals and an assist so far. Then off to the game - worth mentioning that the Manchester marathon is on for anyone coming from the south of Manchester.

Come on City

[Kippax Sean]

Taking the 3 pts today is imperative if we have any chance of winning the league. Win and we'll strike an almighty phycological blow, win well and arse will fold like a house of cards. A couple of twists and turns to come yet regarding ourselves but this game is huge. No dramas, no heart in mouth, just a comfortable win will do. Come on you Blue boys!

[Sparklehorse]

Well ladies and gentlemen, I’m having my first coffee and ciggie after a nice lie-in reading. I felt a distinct resistance to my opening of the front door and lo and behold it was the sheer density of the aroma of victory which immediately filled the house with sweetness and unmistakable fragrance. A tough battle ahead for sure, Arsenal are a good side, not great as the red tinted media would have us believe, but nonetheless present formidable opposition. We on the other hand are building another great team as evidenced by recent performances. I would of course take a scrappy narrow victory but I think it will be a handsome one. An early goal will open the game up which will suit us down to the ground. I think we’ll score three and I just cannot se Arsenal matching that. Come on City !!!

[john@staustell]

I don't like it everyone is tipping us to win. Expect the worst Arsenal dirty tricks!

3-1 City

[Beefymcfc]

Surprisingly calm ahead of this big game. Last few games have shown how we’re now managing our players stamina and not going all out, leaving us exposed when we get into the second half. More of the same but keep an eye on the usual ball over the top tactic, then up the tempo and put the game to bed.

Let them chase shadows.

[CTID Hants]

Manchester City
@ManCity
Your City side to face Arsenal

XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland

SUBS | Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden

[PaulieIrish]

No complaints with that side. Come on City!!

[Indianablue]

Massive bus clearance job to do and grappling avoidance techniques required.
Will be a nasty game. Ref will play a massive part. Tight game, can go either way but think we should have enough.
Hoping that Arsenal have the wrong mindset in that they will be happy with a draw

[carl_feedthegoat]

Massive bus clearance job to do and grappling avoidance techniques required.
Will be a nasty game. Ref will play a massive part. Tight game, can go either way but think we should have enough.
Hoping that Arsenal have the wrong mindset in that they will be happy with a draw

If we score first, they will shit themselves - first goal has to be ours.

[Indianablue]

Manchester City
@ManCity
Your City side to face Arsenal

XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland

SUBS | Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden

Settled starting 11, Pep seems to have settled on his best team

[bigblue]

I don't like it everyone is tipping us to win. Expect the worst Arsenal dirty tricks!

3-1 City

Exactly was feeling very confident earlier in the week, but am much less confident after hearing everyone expecting City to win.

Having said that Pep thankfully named the obvious, correct team

Come on City!!

[Harry Dowd scored]

Manchester City
@ManCity
Your City side to face Arsenal

XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guéhi, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo (C), Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland

SUBS | Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Nico, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden

Settled starting 11, Pep seems to have settled on his best team

Thank god for that, been worried he might fuck up again by dropping Cherki or something equivalent. Just worried about the Arsenal dark arts upsetting our rhythm, Come on City

[PeterParker]

Best possible line up that.

[carl_feedthegoat]

Odds on Lego man has told one of his disciples to go in strong on Cherki today - wouldn’t be surprised if he gets taken out.

[stevefromdonny]

COME ON CITY

[branny]

Rice probably telling Havertz to clatter Rodri again.