Thursday, March 28, 2024

Alexis, Ozil & Lacazette Start! How Arsenal Should Line Up vs. West Brom

Next Monday could see Arsene Wenger field what is arguably Arsenal’s strongest possible XI on paper as they welcome West Brom to the Emirates Stadium.

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Despite a pick up in results over the last few games, the Gunners are still sitting in the bottom half of the table having lost points to Chelsea, Liverpool and Stoke City.

But with the fixture list looking slightly brighter in the Premier League over the next few weeks, this game could mark the start of a winning run that will build some much needed confidence.

Wenger will be without his top goalscorer for the season so far, Danny Welbeck, after the Englishman was forced off with a groin problem at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.

Francis Coquelin is also sitting on the injury list which could leave a spot open for Jack Wilshere, who recently completed 90 minutes against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup.

Here’s how I think we should line up on Monday night:

Goalkeeper: Petr Cech

I’ve been pretty impressed with Cech over the last few games and his command in front of goal is already a welcome improvement on his regular showing from last season.

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At the same time I really don’t see David Ospina challenging for the number one jersey by playing against the likes of Cologne and BATE Borisov, who will rarely test him.

Cech has had to play with a lot of different formations in front of him over pre-season but I think our latest defensive shape is providing him with some added confidence.

West Brom have always been a side to make the most of their set pieces so Cech has to ensure he’s just as alert as he was at Stamford Bridge last time out.

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