Here we are again! The second Semi-Final in the last 2 years, and we go into this Wembley run as the holders of the Cup. It has been 372 days since we beat Wigan in last years Semi-Final, which was hard fought to say the least! We ended the game with a 4-2 win on penalties to knock the previous winners out of the tournament.
This time we face Reading, a team we have previously beaten 7-5 (after being 4-0 down) and we come into this game with the most inform team in Europe this season. With 8 wins in a row, and the team at near full fitness, what lineup is Wenger likely to make and who deserves a start?
This is the most likely XI Arsenal can create for the Semi-Final on Saturday:
(4-2-3-1)
GK : Wojciech Szczesny
Wenger is a big fan of having a ‘Cup Keeper’, and was very loyal to Lukas Fabianski last season, and so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ospina rested for this game.
LB : Nacho Monreal
One of our star performers this season. I feel very comfortable to have Monreal play out the rest of the season above Kieran Gibbs
CB : Gabriel and Laurent Koscielny
A pairing that we have seen little of, but will however be a strong partnership. This position seems to be the most difficult to decide, so we could also expect Per Mertesacker to get a shout.
RB : Hector BellerinÂ
Another star Spaniard for us this season. I enjoy watching him attack and he very much deserved both of his goals against Aston Villa and Liverpool. Hopefully the use of Gabriel as a left sided defender can allow Bellerin to pile the pressure on his opposite number, as he is a menace with his speed. However, his desire to avoid mistakes resulted in a muted game against Burnley.
CDM : Francis Coquelin
A changed man! Could he be the answer to our defensive woes? When making this lineup, I instinctively places him first without question, and hopefully Wenger agrees also.
CDM : Aaron Ramsey
Ramsey had a short spell as a Right midfielder, and although not providing many goals, he was able to put in a good shift and actually scored the winning goal vs Burnley. He would prefer a more attacking role like last season, but I think his physical presence in midfield will give Reading problems when attacking through the centre. (Jack Wilshere is also an option, however, his injury stops him from really starting)
LM : Mesut Özil
Ironic enough, if Özil was played as a LM last season in the same fixture, Arsenal fans would have rioted, but now, we have seen that it is his best position in the park. Although central seems the most fruitful, His wide position allows him to send long balls to Giroud, to which made the Frenchman one of the most inform players in Europe.
CAM : Santiago Cazorla
The Malaga, Real Madrid and Barcelona connection in this midfield provides flare and the passing vision that have made us return to our former glories. The finesse and speed of our play is complimented by the calmness and experience that we have in the side, to which Cazorla can provide. His skill is unmatched and he is able to start or stop an attack at his leisure.
RM : Alexis Sanchez
He’s gone quiet going into the second half of the season, but Alexis has still provided us with a clinical attack that is unmatched again. Although not scoring as often, he is able to create opportunities and makes the defence really think and causes problems beyond the defence.
ST : Olivier Giroud
Disappointing! He couldn’t score against Burnley?!? Well he is still on the form of his life, and has had an incredible return from injury to which warrants his start. It would be silly to not have Giroud start for Arsenal, the man is becoming an even more fan favourite for myself and Gooners everywhere!