Ahead of Saturday's clash at The Emirates, Bluemoon caught up with Arsenal fan Tony Merakli from the Gunnersphere blog to get the lowdown on the opposition...
What are your expectations for this season?
I always aim high as a fan so I will be hoping to be challenging for the title this season, especially after recruiting the likes of Alexis Sanchez and players like Aaron Ramsey stepping up. My minimum expectation is of course a top four finish, but I want the side to mount a serious charge for the Premier League crown.
Are you happy with the manager?
I’m happy with the way he is running the club as he has balanced the books and aren’t struggling financially. However, Arsene Wenger’s transfer policy and spending is something that could be worked on. But in general, he has done a great job at the club since his arrival and hopefully he can guide us to more silverware this season.
Who are your key players?
I think Arsenal have a few. Firstly, Laurent Koscielny. If he is on form at the back then Arsenal can bag positive results. The other two are Ramsey and Sanchez. Ramsey is key to our play these days and has made himself a vital part to this side thanks to his goals and forward play. As for Sanchez, I believe we have a game changer in our ranks and we haven’t got a lot of these. If he adapts quickly and impresses then he could take the league by storm.
Were you happy with the business conducted during the transfer window?
I was happy with what was conducted during the summer transfer window, but I believe we fell just a little short. Had Wenger signed a defensive midfielder and replacement for Thomas Vermaelen then it would have been perfect in my opinion. But all in all, not bad.
Are there any rising stars in the squad that we might not have heard of?
We have a few rising stars. Hector Bellerin is a future right-back for the club and featured during the Emirates Cup where he impressed. But the youngster to look out for in a few years time is 15-year-old Daniel Crowley - this kid will be a star for club and country.
Your Achilles heel?
No doubt about it, our defence is our Achilles heel.
If you could have any City player in your team who would you choose?
Tough one as you do have a few that I would like to have in our squad, but if I had to pick one then it would have to be Vincent Kompany.
What is your perception of City as a club?
I like them; I harbour no bad feelings for the club and wish them well. I enjoy watching them
Likely starting XI for the game, and score prediction?
Szczesny
Debuchy Koscielny Mertesacker Monreal
Flamini Wilshere
Sanchez Ramsey Ozil
Welbeck
Score prediction? I think it will be a score draw, probably 1-1.