Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy wonders if Pep Guardiola will make a big Manchester City change in order to restrict the influence of Bukayo Saka during Wednesday’s colossal clash with leaders Arsenal.
Kyle Walker, according to stats website Transfermarkt, has not played at left-back even once during his storied top-flight career.
But with Guardiola confirming that his first-choice left-sided defender – Nathan Ake – will be unavailable at the Etihad Stadium when Mikel Arteta’s side come to town, Murphy wonders if the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss will pull off the sort of tactical surprise he made his calling card during a hugely-successful coaching career.
Walker, Murphy adds, may be the only Man City defender quick enough to stop Arsenal’s talisman in his tracks.
“I think he might throw Kyle Walker at left-back,” the former Liverpool ace tells talkSPORT (26 April, 10am). “Just to stop Saka.”
How will Guardiola stop Bukayo Saka during Man City vs Arsenal?
Sergio Gomez’s lack of Premier League experience perhaps renders the summer signing from Anderlecht too big a risk up against arguably the division’s most feared winger. And Aymeric Laporte, Murphy adds, does not possess the requisite speed to combat the jet-heeled Saka.
In all competitions, Arsenal’s number seven has 14 goals and 11 assists this season. Saka was crucial to Friday’s fightback against Southampton too; the Gunners showcasing both their strengths and their weaknesses during a topsy-turvy 3-3 draw with Ruben Selles’ bottom-of-the-table side at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have now drawn three successive league games. Murphy, meanwhile, would not be surprised to see the Gunners make it four in a row during what is likely to be a tense affair between the league’s two big-hitters in England’s north west.
“Man City is not as fearsome a place as Anfied. It’s not like it’s a cauldron. If you were going to Anfield, you would think; ‘No chance’,” Murphy adds.
“(But) I don’t think City lose. There is a little feeling that Arsenal may get a draw and keep this title race going.”
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