Arsenal travel to Bulgaria on Tuesday in what is a must win game to keep their hopes alive of topping their Champions League group – however there is the small matter of a North London Derby on Sunday, so Wenger may be tempted to rotate.
With 5 days between the two games there is no need to make drastic changes to the 11, especially with Arsenal needing to win this game in Ludogorets. We may have beaten them 6-0 at home, but the away fixture will be a different game, we know the Bulgarian’s were unlucky not to be ahead at half time at the Emirates.
Goalkeeper: Ospina
Ospina will get the gloves back in goal and after three quality performances so far in the group, he definitely deserves too. Another good performance would put pressure on Cech.
Defence: Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Gibbs
The new back four is doing well and I would expect Wenger to keep Gibbs in the eleven even if Monreal is back fit. Mustafi and Koscielny are the first choice defenders and should play again in this game ahead of the North London Derby on Sunday, where their experience together will be vital in determining the outcome of the game.
Midfield: Xhaka, Elneny; Ox, Ramsey, Iwobi
After being suspended (and therefore rested) in the last three domestic games, Xhaka is likely to come back into the starting line up for this fixture. With Ramsey back and Elneny performing well, the summer signing will need to impress if he is to regain his space in the first eleven. Alongside him it is likely to be Mohammed Elneny, who has played recently, but he hasn’t featured as regularly as some of the others who may need a rest. The Egyptian was good and positive against Sunderland and he deserves to keep his place. Aaron Ramsey is back and could replace Ozil in that number 10 role, whilst Iwobi and Ox are likely to start on the wing again, with whoever performs best likely to get a place in the XI for Tottenham, with the returning Walcott on the other wing.
Striker: Giroud
Giroud is back, and with a bang. His two goals at the weekend from the bench dug us out of trouble and although the team still plays better with Alexis at number 9, we have missed a plan B. Wenger may want to rest Alexis for Sunday and this could allow Giroud a start.