Where: Cardiff When: 08:30 EST, 13:30 GMT TV: NBCSN It’s and early Sunday kickoff in Cardiff. We got our first win of the season so project 24 is still on! On paper we are heavy favorites, but we were terrible on the road last season. Also, Anthony Taylor is the ref for this one. I would not be shocked to see a bit of a struggle, but am hopeful for a statement road win. No idea about the lineup, but I’d expect torriera to get his first start and possibly Lacazette. Who makes way? I have no clue. Haven’t heard about ozil, but I’d expect him back unless there really is more going on than a cold.
I think we are looking at an ugly draw. We still do not have a team -- just a bunch of players that are being asked to do a job that they are not familiar with. I am going with the following line-up: Bellerin -- Mustafi -- Papa -- Nacho Xhaka -- Torreira Ramsey Mkhi--Laca--Auba Ozil on the bench due to lingering issues like the flu or whatever they drum up this time around. I like Guendouzi but he needs a break....too much too soon for him.
Cardiff have 1 point from 9. They've not scored a single goal yet, which is unique in the EFL I heard. But they've also only allowed 2 goals in those 3 games, so maybe they're not awful defensively. We better not have any complacency, or take any kind of result for granted. I doubt we will. Welcome back to the Prem, Neil Warnock. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for you. I value managers who speak their mind in interviews. p.s. Thanks @crazy150 for the early MD thread. Long may your reign last!
Don’t think Emery has ever played with a back 3. But, arsene hadn’t either until he did. if We did it, I’d want leichsteiner instead of holding or mav. Then you’d just have two CMs or I gues you could go 5-3-2. Might work, but I think Emery will continue with the current setup and try to work out the kinks.
I don't understand how a back 3 gets Guendouzi 'into the 11'. Also, he's been in the team every week. He clearly doesn't need a formation change to get a chance.
Cardiff are on 2 points after 0-0 draws vs. Newcastle and Huddersfield, both of whom are on a single point. They lost to Bournmouth 2-0. They also played and lost in the league cup on Tuesday, a 3-1 loss to Norwich at home. Maybe they got that first goal out of their system.
I'm glad to see this much pre-game pondering again this many days before a game. It means there's excitement about Arsenal again. But honestly, Emery isn't changing tactics after 3 matches so we can cope with Cardiff.
I’m excited about the prospect of no one really knowing what the manager will do. Wenger became very predictable with his lineups which only added to the boring performances of the last few seasons. The manager is in a tough spot. Ideally, he would see Cardiff as an opportunity to roll out his ideal lineup and give it a go. But it’s risky bc dropping points will really have the fans, pundits and possibly players questioning him. I’d only expect 1-2 changes. At most we see torriera and lacazette come in. Maybe auba needs to see bench and feel the pressure.
I was thinking along the lines of Shen-O's edit of MilesW's lineup Leno Bellerin Mustafi Sokratis Monreal Duzy Torreira Ramsey/Ozil Mkhi Laca Auba Except, with a back 3, you don't need to choose betwern Ozil and Ramsey.
What? As in, you want to bench both of Özil and Ramsey and replace them with a center half? And that somehow benefits Guendouzi?
Because I can't think of a different way to arrange those players by skillset, I assume you are thinking... Leno Mustafi Sokratis Monreal Duzy Torreira Mkhi Ramsey Ozil Laca Auba While that may make for a strong MF and overall offense, that would be a very narrow lineup and poor defensively.
I'm gonna be up early for this, and soon we will know what strips the two clubs will be wearing but for all we know since Cardiff wear blue at home that we'll probably be sporting our primary (home) red/white kits. I'm still waiting for a match in which we'll HAVE TO sport those great-looking navy/red away strips. Other than the stylish new green goalkeeper kit I feel that the navy/red away one is probably my favorite of the 3 outfield players' kits for this season, how many of you agree?
Video: Lucas Torreira with a goal-saving block before nutmegging Héctor Bellerín in Wednesday's training session at London Colney. [Arsenal YouTube]#afc 👀 @LTorreira34 @HectorBellerin pic.twitter.com/FSjR84I2kl— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 30, 2018 Bellerin lates I think we know who is starting vs Cardiff guys.
Cool! A game on a 20 yard pitch with 2 outfield players and 2 goalies. Would love to see a match in that format!