Arsenal’s lack of defensive reinforcements this summer is already being exposed, just 4 games into a long season. Calum Chambers is ’50/50′ to play after he missed training yesterday, Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy did not travel with the squad.
Fresh Arsenal understands Hector Bellerin, Francis Coquelin and Isaac Hayden played as defenders in training for the first team yesterday. They played a 10 v 10 match with a 3 man defence. It might come to a 3 man defence in real games at this rate. With Chambers struggling due to a virus, Bellerin could be in line for his Champions League debut tonight. I expect Arsenal to stick to their 4-1-4-1 formation and this is how I expect us to line up.
Goalkeeper: Woijech Szczesny
Not the best performance from him on Saturday but I expect him to retain his place between the sticks tonight.
Defence: Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs
Bellerin looks like he will be forced into a start, but he is very talented. Can he handle the pressure? Gibbs will return to the line up with Monreal out and the two centre backs pick themselves. Pray we don’t pick up another defensive injury, or even suspension.
Midfield: Mikel Arteta; Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Özil
As much as I hate it, I think Arsene is determined for Ozil to prove himself out wide. He’s a little stubborn like that. Cazorla is nice and fresh and Wilshere is on form. Alexis can’t be dropped on his goalscoring form, so let’s hope he’s fit enough to start. This is the midfield I expect, but if it were me I’d stick Chamberlain on the left instead of Ozil. We certainly have options in midfield. Ramsey has earned a rest, and we have enough quality to give him one. Bring him off the bench to win the game late on.
Forward: Danny Welbeck
Danny must lead the line again, especially with Sanogo injured, Welbeck is the only player who can offer a physical presence up top. Something we definitely need.
Bench: Ospina, Coquelin, Chambers, Ramsey, Chamberlain, Rosicky, Campbell.