Who’d be in your Arsenal XI to take on Manchester City this afternoon?

It’s undoubtedly our biggest test to date, Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon. However, there is no better time to play Roberto Mancini’s side than now.

We are currently unbeaten in all competitions and have only conceded two goals in five games. In my opinion, we are looking solid at the back and our attacking play looks sharp and lethal (who thought we’d be saying this following that Dutchman’s departure to OT).

In addition, we still have a few first-team players to come back from injury, which will only enhance our silverware ambitions this season.

Needless to say, Arsene Wenger should field out his most potent team this afternoon against the Premier League champions, as our next game is at home to Coventry in the newly named Capital One Cup on Wednesday night – our next league game is against Chelsea on the 29th, so key players will be rested midweek.

So what should Arsene’s starting line-up look like?

Well taking into account our injuries and the players we have available for this afternoon, here is how I would play it:

Mannone

Jenkinson          Mertesacker          Koscielny          Gibbs

Arteta          Diaby

Cazorla

Gervinho                             Podolski

Giroud

Wojciech Szczesny is out with an ankle injury so Vito Mannone will have to step in; while I hear (from my cousin) Thomas Vermealen is suffering from a virus. If this is true then Laurent Koscielny will get his first start of the season.

The midfield trio should stay the same, while I think ‘the in-form men’ Gervinho and Lukas Podolski should start on the wing, despite Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s potential and ability – no doubt he will get some game time today.

I know he hasn’t scored…yet, but I believe Olivier Giroud should lead the line today – we need a tall, strong forward to cause City’s defence a problem, and his movement and ability to open up gaps has worked a treat so far.

I’d be very pleased if we manage to come out of this game with something and I think we can if Wenger picks the right team and they perform as they have been.

#COYG!!!

So, who do you guys reckon should start for us this afternoon against City?

Give us your thoughts on the matter below

Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/Gunnersphere

Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so.

Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details.