After a disappointing draw against Chelsea on Sunday, the Gunners hope to turn their luck around to increase our incredible unbeaten run! We face a Hull side on Monday night, who sit in a nervous ’15th place’, with the possibility of relegation still in sight. On paper this may seem like a one way result, however Hull will not want to lose at home against any team, especially in their nervous position. But Hull have just beaten Liverpool 1-0 to give them a chance, so we must attack quickly!
But who should start for Arsenal? We are lucky to have an almost fully fit squad, and so Arsene Wenger has many choices for this game. But who do I think will start?
Formation : 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper : David Ospina
One of the first names on the team sheet for me, as Ospina has had an tremendous first season in England, and I wouldn’t expect him to be dropped due to our impressive run.
Left-Back : Nacho Monreal
Once again, Nacho has proved that he is well balanced defensively as well as Offensively, to which has been the key to his great progression this season. Although Kieran Gibbs may get the go ahead for this game, Nacho would be my preferred choice for an physical game against Abel Hernandez.
Centre-Back: Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel
Resting Per would be preferred in this game, as the likes of Abel Hernandez enjoy running behind the defence, and so the newly created partnership of Gabriel and Koscienly could be put to the test in this game, as Hull will be hunting for vital points to clinch premier league survival.
Right-Back : Mathieu Debuchy
With young talent Hector Bellerin bursting into the first team, and Mathieu gaining multiple injuries, Debuchy has struggled to find his position in the first eleven. However, his recent return to fitness does mean he can be added to the squad, and this is the type of game where he can play for the majority to gain his form back.
Central-Defensive: Francis Coquelin and Jack Wilshere
Francis ‘The Policeman’ Coquelin has been our saviour this season, and I couldn’t put it simpler than that. His patience and leadership has saved us on multiple occasions, and so he would play very well alongside Jack Wilshere.
With Jack fully fit, the squad is looking at its strongest for the first time in 10 years, and I’m sure he would want to get back on the pitch as quickly as possible. Much like Aaron Ramsey, Jack enjoys attacking, and will be well matched with a defensive minded partner.
This position is difficult to predict, as the lineup will not include Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey or Tomas Rosicky, but however would mean that these players could get a rest before the final push of the season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Santi, Aaron or Jack start, as all of them have been brilliant at times this season.
Left-Midfielder : Danny Welbeck
He needs to get a run in at some point, and I feel the following fixtures are his best chance, leading up to the away match against Manchester United. In recent weeks, Aaron Ramsey has held this position, but has really struggled to impact on games, apart from his goal against Burnley. Once again, there is a toss up between Welbeck, Ramsey and Santi, but I feel Welbeck will be able to prove to Arsene that he should be played more.
Central Attacking Midfield: Mesut Ozil
With the pace around him, Mesut would probably enjoy an opportunity like this. We could expect him to make passes much like his assist in the FA Cup with Alexis, so it would be a perfect chance for Walcott and Welbeck to prove to Arsene that they deserve to start. I’m sure Mesut would want to rack up his assists this season, as a platform for next year.
Right-Midfielder: Theo Walcott
Not necessarily dropping Alexis, but I feel that this game can be won without him. His pace and skill could see him make a substitute appearance, but however once again, Theo needs to be given a chance. Whether he stays or goes in the summer, Walcott would want game time as a way to inspire a bid from an opposing team. Whether he leaves or not, he would be loving the chance to get back to the form of last season. He made a large change against Chelsea, although his finishing could be questionable. His pace caused many issues for Terry,cal though he couldn’t find Welbeck in the closing minutes of the game.
Striker: Olivier Giroud
Many fans have asked for Giroud to be rested, with a possible start for Danny Welbeck. With an quiet game for the Frenchman against Chelsea, the Frenchman’s goal tally is drying up, although he stands to be one of the most inform strikers in England at the moment. A few goals here will surely give him a lot of confidence.