This is a huge game for us and although we've had a good start to the season much of how people will view us competitively this season will be judged on our performance on Sunday. On how we compete with the "big boys". There is no doubt this is a huge test for our relatively new team.
If we play like we did on Tuesday, giving the ball away sloppily and taking risks with tackles, we will get punished by a team of City's quality. We need to be at our best to really have a chance of coming away with anything. I seemed to think that we were over-complicating things on Tuesday when often the simple ball is the most effective. We were getting caught in possession time and time again and frankly we just looked tired. There will be little room for error and Sunday and all the players need to keep it tight.
Both teams will be tired after big games midweek but in a game like this the team who wants it more usually comes out on top. And our boys certainly want it. Lukas Podolski is certainly not shy in his thoughts and seems confident that we can get a result. I must admit I have been impressed with the whole team ethos this year and we do all seem to have the belief that we can do it.
Teams are total guess work really, especially as they have about 80 players to choose from. For us I think we'll see a similar line up to that we had in France. I'd like to see Koscielny step in if he's fit because I'm not entirely sure Mertesacker can deal with Aguero an other pacey strikers at their disposal. But here goes: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Alex OC, Diaby, Arteta, Podolski, Cazorla, Gervinho. I think Arsene will decide to drop Giroud to the bench for this one and keep Gervinho in as well hes got 3 in 2. I do worry about Jenkinson down the right, he'll be given a tough time by City's wingers. But in a big game, players sometimes step up.
Our game of course, follows a hugely important match on Sunday, in terms of football more than anything. I hope it all goes without incident for the sake of relations more than anything.
So all attention turns to Sunday where we'll really test our mettle. COYG!
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal
