Arsenal are expected to rotate the team after a 4-0 embarrassment in Southampton highlighted the need for something new. With the players looking fatigued during the game at St. Mary’s, it is essential Arsenal rotate the squad with less than 48 hours between the two fixtures.Â
There have been no reported injuries from Saturday’s match, so Arsene Wenger appears to have a free-reign on who and how he will rotate. Here’s what I expect to see when the team news is announced at around 16:30 BST today.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
A real off day from Cech, just like everyone on that pitch – he was poor. The Czech has responded off the pitch in the right way, with an apology – let’s see what he can do on the pitch.
Defence: Mathieu Debuchy, Gabriel Paulista, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal
I think we’ll see some changes here – maybe as many as three. The Gunners had been boasting an excellent defensive record prior to Saturday’s game, but conceding four highlighted that there are still imperfections. Gabriel simply has to come in for me, the Brazilian deserves to be playing ahead of Per Mertesacker on current form. Wenger will be tempted to change the full backs, and whilst I agree that Hector Bellerin needs a rest, I’d be hesitant in changing too much and would like to see Monreal continue at left back.
Midfield: Calum Chambers, Aaron Ramsey; Joel Campbell, Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Ramsey was one of a few players who kept going until the end for Arsenal on Saturday. He looks in good shape and I’d like to see him start again. Chambers is likely to get a chance in that holding role with Mathieu Flamini looking tired recently. The thought of Chambers in midfield will make most fans feel uneasy, but he needs to just concentrate on doing the simple things right as he’s capable of filing that hole. I think Chamberlain will get a start today and he needs to impress. The Ox has failed to progress in the last couple of seasons, and fans are starting to get a little impatient. Much like Ramsey, Campbell is likely to start again due to the energy he showed he still has in Saturday’s loss. I think Wenger wanted to rest Ozil today, but the must-win nature of this game may well change that decision.
Attack: Olivier Giroud
Neither Giroud nor Walcott looked good against Southampton, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see either of the two rested today, with the other leading the line. If I had to choose, I’d go for Giroud, because of the physical edge he offers in attack and defence.