This archive report was first published on 15 December 2019.
Freddie Ljungberg is facing a significant challenge as he prepares his Arsenal squad to face Manchester City on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at the Emirates.
However, the Gunners may receive a boost with the potential return of Nicolas Pepe, who has been sidelined with a bruised knee.
Pepe played through the pain to score a crucial goal in Arsenal's 1-0 win over West Ham last Monday, and Express UK reports that he could be in line to start against City.
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka remains out injured, while Dani Ceballos, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, and Kieran Tierney are all on the treatment table.
As a result, Ljungberg will need to make significant changes to his squad to get a result against City.
Emiliano Martinez is expected to make way for Bernd Leno in goal, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be drafted in to provide cover at the back in place of the injured Bellerin.
David Luiz is likely to keep his place, but Sokratis Papastathopoulos could make way for Calum Chambers, while Sead Kolasinac may benefit from Tierney's latest injury woe.
Joe Willock may drop out for Lucas Torreira to partner Matteo Guendouzi in central midfield, and Mesut Ozil will hope to return in the No 10 role.
Emile Smith Rowe will likely drop out in favour of Pepe, and in-form Gabriel Martinelli could be drafted in place of Reiss Nelson.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be first-choice to lead the line, and Alexander Lacazette may have to contend with a place on the bench.
Here's a predicted Arsenal line-up for the match:
- Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
- Defenders: Maitland-Niles, Chambers, Luiz, Kolasinac
- Midfielders: Guendouzi, Torreira; Pepe, Ozil
- Forwards: Martinelli, Aubameyang
