Arsenal take on Chelsea this weekend in the Premier League. Fresh off the back of a 4-1 win against Galatasaray, The Gunners will be looking to narrow the gap between themselves and the current league leaders at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Will Wenger’s eleven be able to pay Chelsea back for last season’s 6-0 defeat? Here’s the line up I think would be capable of doing just that:
Attacking Formation: 4-1-4-1
Defensive Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczęsny
Although the Polish shot-stopper slipped up midweek against Galatasaray, I don’t think this is the time to introduce Ospina to our starting eleven. We’ll need to maintain excellent communication within our defence, and the familiar face of Wojciech will be crucial in doing just that.
Right-back: Calum Chambers
Calum Chambers has impressed since filling in for Debuchy at right-back, and you’d expect him to continue his promising form against Chelsea this weekend. The young defender will have to make sure he doesn’t allow Chelsea’s wide-men to bomb forward unchallenged, while also providing ample support for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain when we’re in possession. Let’s hope he’s up to the task.
Centre-backs: Per Mertesacker & Laurent Koscielny
Arsenal’s towering German and nimble Frenchmen will be expected to keep up their impeccable work in the heart of our defence. Both will have to ensure Diego Costa isn’t given any time on the ball.
Left-back: Kieran Gibbs
Gibbs will undoubtedly offer a lot of pace and drive when Arsenal are on the attack. However, he’ll need to make sure he doesn’t leave gaps in our defence when we lose possession further up the pitch.
Central Defensive Midfield: Mathieu Flamini
The Frenchman could be a weak link for us in this game. However, he is the only option we have. Mathieu will have to keep an eye on Fabregas, and also help us to build our attacks from the back. I can see Sunday being a very tough day for the 30-year-old.
Right Midfielder: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Hopefully the Englishman won’t be too tired after the game midweek. If he’s fit to start, I’d like to see him out on our right flank along with Chambers. The pair linked up well against Galatasaray, and Chamberlain’s direct dribbling and pace will be vital if we want to stretch Chelsea’s back four and create openings.
Central Midfield: Jack Wilshere
Wilshere has really stepped up his game over the past few months, and it’d be great to see him pull off another strong performance against Chelsea on Sunday. His work rate should help Flamini keep the table-toppers’ attacking players at bay, and his composure and elegance on the ball will help Arsenal build their attacks and maintain possession under pressure.
Central Attacking Midfield: Mesut Özil
Arsenal’s talisman should be given a free role in midfield again, allowing him to search for openings and probe Chelsea’s defence. Mesut will no doubt drift into wide positions throughout the game, and it is important that Jack Wilshere moves forward into the space Özil creates in order to heap the pressure on Mourinho’s bus.
Left Midfield: Alexis Sánchez
Alexis will be expected to make runs in behind Chelsea’s defence, with Özil, Wilshere and Gibbs being the Chilean’s main supply line. Sánchez is the kind of player you need in a game like this. His work rate, determination and quality on the ball could be the deciding factor in a game which could be very tight.
Centre-forward: Danny Welbeck
Danny will be buzzing after his hat trick against Galatasaray in the Champions League. He needs to show that confidence against Chelsea. The Englishman can’t afford to waste chances. He needs to make every shot count.
Do you agree with my line up? Let me know in the comments below.