Rodrigo Hernandez – Rodri and Declan Rice are arguably the best midfielders in the Premier League this year. The Spaniard who has been the `Control Tower` at the Ettihad was given a green card by Pep Guardiola to be his on-game deputy amongst his peers, has been the real driving force, with Manchester City never winning in the past two seasons whenever their giant Spaniard was on the pitch.
This Sunday his usual lovely role will have more to play for, as he faces his PL mirror image Declan Rice. When Arteta brought in their 105m-pound signing from West Ham United, his instructions were clear, `Play like Rodri` in every game and you win your place. Since then the 25-year old Rice has been the `light harbinger` for the Gunners, the link between the defense and forward lines, quietly slipping into alternative roles as per the needs of the moment. Far from being just athletic with his hard tackling reputation, Rice has graduated into a baller`s outfit, scoring his first goal for Arsenal in February against his former club in their worst home defeat (6-0).
These two will certainly light up the game this Sunday with Rodri still wearing his treble outfit of last season, firing in full cylinders, though failing to inspire his mates to even a single win against any front runner this season.
These two away from this game will reduce both intensity and focus, with their presence promising a game of all the stakes, with their individual stats being the hinge point for bookmakers.
By Simon Lyonga
This Sunday his usual lovely role will have more to play for, as he faces his PL mirror image Declan Rice. When Arteta brought in their 105m-pound signing from West Ham United, his instructions were clear, `Play like Rodri` in every game and you win your place. Since then the 25-year old Rice has been the `light harbinger` for the Gunners, the link between the defense and forward lines, quietly slipping into alternative roles as per the needs of the moment. Far from being just athletic with his hard tackling reputation, Rice has graduated into a baller`s outfit, scoring his first goal for Arsenal in February against his former club in their worst home defeat (6-0).
These two will certainly light up the game this Sunday with Rodri still wearing his treble outfit of last season, firing in full cylinders, though failing to inspire his mates to even a single win against any front runner this season.
These two away from this game will reduce both intensity and focus, with their presence promising a game of all the stakes, with their individual stats being the hinge point for bookmakers.
By Simon Lyonga