The new season is edging ever closer and although Arsenal may still be a couple of players short in certain areas, there is big cause for optimism. The signings of Alexis Sanchez, David Ospina, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers have shown huge ambition and still there are yet more arrivals to come. At the Emirates Cup others shone as well, most significantly Joel Campbell, Yaya Sanogo and Hector Bellerin who all surely played their way into the manager’s thinking a bit more.
It’ll be interesting to see what team Wenger plays at Wembley this weekend, on Saturday at the Emirates Cup, a more unproven, inexperienced side demolished Benfica but on the second day a more experienced side put in a rather lacklustre display against Monaco. Of course it’s only pre-season but Wenger may be tempted to introduce some of the younger guns from the start, particularly after their pleasing displays.
With Ospina being injured, Wojciech Szczesny is nailed on to start, and you’d expect that if he can have a strong start to the season, he should cement his place in the side immediately.
After a solid showing on the weekend Mathieu Debuchy should keep his place in the side and on the other flank Kieran Gibbs will be expected to play. With Vermaelen out injured and Mertesacker still away on holiday, Koscielny is the only experienced centre-half available and will of course marshal the back line.
After an impressive Emirates Cup, I imagine Calum Chambers will partner Koscielny. Although a right-back by trade Chambers looked very calm and collected at the heart of defence and will eventually mould himself into a full-time centre-back in the future.
A holding midfielder has yet to arrive through the doors, and as a result Mathieu Flamimi or Mikel Arteta will pick up from where they left off last season and sit in the middle of midfield. I rate both these players, but realistically they should be squad players, not starters, and this is why Arsenal fell short last year, as teams easily exposed our weak central midfield. Next to Arteta/ Flamini I’d expect to see Aaron Ramsey, who will hopefully continue his form from last term.
Joel Campbell really impressed me in the World Cup and against Benfica, and I think he deserves his chance. He has waited three years to finally pull on the shirt and he now looks ready to try to consistently challenge for a place in the starting line-up.
Therefore I’d start him on the left, and on the other flank I’d play the OX, his speed and directness could really hurt City and if he can stay injury free he can be a really important player for Arsenal this season.
In behind the striker Santi Cazorla should be given the chance to play in his desired role. Finally up-front I’d like to see Alexis Sanchez. I don’t think Olivier Giroud is quite fit yet, and I’m intrigued to see how Sanchez can integrate into the side playing that role.
My full starting XI for the Community Shield: Do you agree?
http://www.footballuser.com/1062376/Arsenal