By Mark Ssali
1. Apparently, Thomas will not be at the Partey, a blessing in disguise for Arsenal. In his new role, he was bound to be the weak link tomorrow. The Gunners are favourites, but need to keep it simple and return to ‘factory settings’.
2. They have the style and the form, but must find the balance too. That means an orthodox back 4, with Zinchenko at left back, & Ben White or Tomiyasu on the right; a partner for Declan Rice in a double pivot setting in the middle, instead of Kai Harvetz; & a real or false nine.
3. The stage is primed for a United upset though, if only they can keep it even simpler. Men behind the ball in a low block, closing down spaces and harassing men in possession, ensuring no early goals, attacking on the super quick break. A return to the old Alex Ferguson ways.
4. Mikel Arteta is tactically fluid and flexible, and might want to tweak and suprise, while Erik Ten Hag is very stubborn and might want to trade punches on equal footing. Either move would backfire, I reckon. It is one of those days when less will mean more. Simple will prevail
