Sympathy Showers On ‘Unlucky’ Pep Guardiola As 7 Manchester City Players Remain Doubts For Arsenal Game – ‘Don’t Play My Players Too Much’

For years Manchester City fans have been screaming about the lack of competition for the Premier League title. While this has always been a way of downplaying their rivals, it seems like their words have come back to haunt them at the worst possible time. Sometimes, you need to be careful what you wish for. It’s a lesson City fans will probably take to heart. Pep Guardiola‘s chances of lifting his 4th consecutive Premier League title look bleak at the moment, with his team suffering crucial blows ahead of their all-important game.

Manchester City is set to face Arsenal this Sunday in a game that could determine the Premier League race. Both teams are among the favorites for the title, but Arsenal might have a slight upper hand heading into the game. The Cityzens are likely to miss the services of Kyle Walker and John Stones heading into the game. French journalist Julien Laurens expressed his sympathy with Pep Guardiola during his appearance on ESPN UK’s Daily Recap.

Laurens stated, “I can’t see how he can play on Sunday. I don’t think it is possible for Walker or Stones coming off so early in the game. Maybe it was just precautionary, and maybe there’s a chance. But even if it’s a groin [injury]. He’s pulling it a little bit, but again, the game is on Sunday. There’s like 5 days now. I think all the managers wanted was no injuries don’t play my players too much and pep in 2 games in the first 20 minutes he loses one key player.”

Both Stones and Walker have been impressive for Manchester City this season. The two have been arguably the team’s best defenders in this campaign, and their absence could leave a big void in Pep Guardiola’s backline. It will be interesting to see how the Spaniard copes with the issue, as a loss at the hands of Arsenal could bury the club’s title hopes six feet under!

How can Pep Guardiola line his defense against Arsenal?

Pep Guardiola has a massive headache heading into the game against the Premier League leaders. The team will be without some of their top players during the clash. It could make them vulnerable to Arsenal’s attacking threat, with the Gunners emerging as the top-scoring team this season. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have done an impressive job for Mikel Arteta’s side and could make the most of their chances against City’s incomplete defense.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola Set To Hijack Manchester United’s Attempt To Escape $12M+ Loss: Reports

With Kyle Walker and John Stones out, Guardiola might have to look at his bench. The Spaniard could play Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake at the back, with Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis serving as full-backs. While Manuel Akanji could also be an option, the Swiss star is out with a knock. It will be interesting to see how Pep Guardiola prepares his team ahead of the massive challenge. Do you think Manchester City has what it takes to lift their 4th consecutive Premier League title? Let us know in the comments below.

READ MORE: Not Erling Haaland or Kevin de Bruyne, Ex-Manchester City Star Crowned Best Teammate by Kyle Walker