Arsenal hero Lauren is hopeful Mikel Arteta will name the strongest side possible for Friday night’s huge FA Cup clash at Manchester City.
The two best teams in the Premier League will meet for the first time this season at the Etihad with a place in the FA Cup fifth round at stake.
While the game will have no bearing on the title race, it will be seen as a huge indicator to whether Pep Guardiola or his former protege Arteta has the upperhand.
But with so much at stake in the league it is possible that neither manager will pick their best team to play in the cup, despite both claiming that they are very determined to win.
Former Gunners right-back Lauren certainly hopes Arteta will not rest anyone unless absolutely necessary, fearful that a loss will harm their momentum.
‘We have to respect the decision of Mikel Arteta, but if I was him, I would play Arsenal’s strongest XI against Man City on Friday,’ he told FairBettingSites.
‘Obviously, he’ll have to check if any players are not fully fit with the club doctors, but he needs to keep the momentum of the team.
‘We have to go and try to beat Man City, we can’t make eight changes but we’ll have to accept it if Arteta decides to.
‘Momentum is key and it keeps the confidence of the team up, it’s crucial for all competitions.’
Such has been Arsenal’s imperious form, they have only lost three times this campaign, to Manchester United in the league, Brighton in the Carabao Cup and PSV in the Europa League.
Even so, City are narrow favourites to win the match but Lauren believes we are set for an upset, predicting the Gunners to triumph over the Citizens.
‘Man City away at the Etihad will be a very tight game, but there will be plenty of goals for sure,’ he added.
‘I think and I hope Arsenal will win that game, the momentum of a win against Man City will be crucial for when they play against each other in February.’
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