Wednesday night provides a chance for Arsenal to get back in the driving seat, and get a result that will kick start their season into top gear.
A Champions League clash with Anderlecht is a fixture that can help this Arsenal side to get back on track. With 3 points already on the board, Arsenal currently lie second in the group stage, with Wednesday’s opponents breathing down their necks.
The fixture provides Wenger a chance to experiment with a new starting line-up, giving key players the rest they need and providing incoming players a chance to cement a good performance.
Goalkeeper
Third-choice goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, will be drafted in to cover the suspended Szczesny, with David Ospina having to sit this one out with a slight injury problem. Martinez has racked up just two first-team appearances since becoming a senior member, both in the League Cup. But the fact he has known about playing this game for a while now, I don’t think it will faze him too much.
Defence
You won’t be surprised to see Per Mertesacker rested, as Wenger will know he cannot afford another injury to the an already troubled back four. The rest will do the German good, following a series of struggling performances. Callum Chambers will come in and look to start well after having a rest at the weekend due to suspension.
Laurent Koscielny will also look to return to his place at centre back, but only if he’s declared fit. An away tie like this, Arsenal must be gaining 3 points, and the experience of Koscielny will help to ease pressure on Martinez in goal.
Hector Bellerin will begin at right-back with Matthieu Debuchy still injured, Bellerin performed well against Hull and Wenger has already shown the youngster is not troubled by Champions League football, after starting him against Dortmund.
Kieran Gibbs should look to retain his place following a brilliant performance at the weekend, and will look to exploit a weak right-hand side that Anderlecht are still nursing.
Midfield
Wenger will want to bring in Arsenal captain, Mikel Arteta, after returning from a 3-week absence. Arteta should replace a tired Jack Wilshere or out of form Matthieu Flamini, giving the team a sense of control as he sits deep in front of that back four.
After playing in the Hull game, I am more than convinced Aaron Ramsey will grab a starting position, either sitting behind the centre forward or playing alongside Wilshere. It is no secret that Ramsey has struggled this season, but the in-form Jack Wilshere will provide much needed competition for the Welshman.
Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez will maintain their positions, with Santi moving back out to the wing to accommodate the inclusion of Ramsey. Alexis will provide plenty of pace on the right hand side, with Bellerin not so keen to get too far advanced yet.
Striker
Danny Welbeck will be relishing the chance to play in the Champions League again, following an impressive spell against Galatassary in the previous fixture.
The 23-year old will already be looking to add to an impressive goal tally, taking advantage of a vulnerable Anderlecht side on the counter. He might even have the Champions League top scorer in his sights.
I can see Podolski coming in to this one early though, giving Welbeck a rest for a must-win game at Sunderland in the weekend.
Predicted Line-Up:
Emiliano Martinez
Hector Bellerin     Callum Chambers     Laurent Koscielny     Kieran Gibbs
Mikel Arteta (c) Â Â Â Â Jack Wilshere
Alexis Sanchez     Aaron Ramsey     Santi Cazorla
Danny Welbeck