Manchester City will be at the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal.
The two sides have become big rivals over the last two years. The Gunners have gone toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola’s side for the Premier League title and have pushed them close in back-to-back seasons.
The reverse fixture between the two sides in September was a feisty affair. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, but there were a few heated exchanges at the end.
Arsenal would love to get one over City on Sunday, and Mikel Arteta will surely put a strong team out. Paul Merson, however, wants one player to be dropped.
Paul Merson explains why Jorginho should be dropped for Arsenal vs Manchester City
Jorginho has been at Arsenal for two years now.
Fans weren’t fully on board with Arteta’s decision to sign him from Chelsea, but he won them over very quickly. He has been an excellent player more often than not for the Gunners.
When Arsenal last faced Manchester City at the Emirates, Jorginho started the game and was one of the best players on the pitch.
He remained calm and composed throughout his time on the field despite getting a yellow card in the 11th minute of the game. He dictated play, helped all the players around him and was just magnificent.
Jorginho, hailed as ‘incredible’ by Jamie Redknapp, started Arsenal’s last game – against Girona in the Champions League. He had a solid game in Spain too, but Merson thinks he should be on the bench when City come to town on Sunday.
He wrote on Sportskeeda: “If City were the team of old, I would play Jorginho in midfield because he is good at getting out of the press, comfortable on the ball and can pick a pass.
“But then, Manchester City are not the same anymore, they don’t close down as quickly as they used to. So I wouldn’t really prefer Jorginho for this game.”
READ MORE: Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have just made the exact same prediction about Arsenal vs Man City
One Arsenal player could dominate Manchester City in midfield
Manchester City aren’t having the best season, but they are still more than capable of getting a result against Arsenal at the Emirates.
However, without Rodri, they do not have the same control in midfield.
Declan Rice is guaranteed to start for Arsenal against City, and we think he’ll have the freedom he needs to dominate the middle of the park.
With Thomas Partey next to him, the Englishman can do whatever he wants, and he has the quality and physicality to boss that midfield on Sunday.
For that reason, we think Merson is right to say that Jorginho should not start. But, he would be a good player to bring on in the second half if we’re leading and have to see out the game.
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