After a two week hiatus from Premier League action with international football taking centre stage, Arsenal take on Liverpool in a match, which will play its part in orchestrating the balance of momentum in this top 4 race. This is how I envisage the best possible line-up for this lunchtime encounter.
GK: David Ospina
The Columbian is the obvious choice between himself and his Polish counterpart. The 26 year-old has been a sublime form since being selected as the team’s regular first-choice keeper, but this will be arguably another game that will challenge Ospina’s true goalkeeping credentials.
However, he and his team-mates will be pleased to hear that the likes of Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge could miss Saturday’s clash, with injuries picked up during the international break. But whoever the Columbian comes up against on the day, I have every confidence he will be ready for the challenge.
RB: Hector Bellerin
The young Spaniard will definitely be the fresher amongst the right-backs, after Calum Chambers’ involvement with the England U21 squad and Mathieu Debuchy’s recent return from injury, in a midweek match with the academy.
Bellerin has showcased his quality on more than one occasion this season. He has sensational pace which puts Theo Walcott to the sword and from a defensive perspective, he has improved massively at senior level. The 20 year-old has gone from stride to stride and I expect him to retain his place in the side.
CB: Gabriel Paulista
The Brazilian was unfortunately unused for his country during the international break, as his international debut was anticipated. But at least this means he’ll be fresh and available for club duties this Saturday.
The January signing from Villarreal hasn’t made many appearances but he has made a growing impression on the Arsenal faithful. His steady and composed performances at the back alongside his defensive partners, has been encouraging.
Gabriel’s promising abilities will be tested against stern Premier League opposition as Liverpool look to hold on to their top 4 aspirations.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
The very capable Frenchman is an indispensable defender in the side and will provide the much needed steel at the back alongside the Brazilian. Per Mertesacker may be the fresher of the two, but the German’s inconsistent form will place him on the bench.
Koscielny has the experience as well as the deceptive pace to defend against the very best in the league, although he does have an unfortunate knack for conceding needless penalties and own goals. Despite these rare habits, there’s no doubting the 29 year-old’s quality, in front of his goalkeeper,
LB: Nacho Monreal
Monreal and Gibbs have been going head to head repeatedly this season in who deserves a regular starting role at left back, and it’s the Spaniard who has been favoured more often by the manager, and I have to agree.
Offensively, Monreal isn’t as adventurous as his England counterpart, as he delivers less successful crosses into the box and creates fewer chances. However, on a defensive perspective he is the better of the two and this is the primary objective of a full-back.
Monreal wins 64% of individual duels to Kieran Gibbs’ 54% and as long as we’re secure at the back, he can leave offensive duties to his team-mates.
DM: Francis Coquelin
Coquelin has been the team’s surprise package as he’s shaped up to be one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers, since December.
In recent years, the Frenchman has been utilized in various positions by Arsene Wenger, even in a full-back role, but eh shines so much brighter in that holding midfield role. He’s a rock in front of his defenders as he’s shown against every opponent he’s played against.
He’s shown great maturity most notably in the game against Manchester City in January. He’s the best option the Gunners have in this role, miles ahead of Mathieu Flamini. Coquelin has become and automatic starter for the team and I expect him to continue to be.
CM: Aaron Ramsey
It’s difficult to pick between Ramsey and Santi Cazorla but I believe the Welshman should receive the nod, if passed fit.
He enjoyed a fruitful international break with Wales by scoring and assisting in the only game they played. I can see a renewed confidence in Ramsey, after goals against Monaco and West Ham in recent games. He’s arguably the team’s best goalscoring midfielder, and offers some muscle in the middle.
I wouldn’t complain if I saw Cazorla in the team but I think Ramsey should be the one to start this game.
AM: Mesut Ozil
The German’s genius is understated far too often, as the offensive contribution he offers provides his attackers with great assurance. This inclusion is a no brainer.
RW: Danny Welbeck
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Welbeck is the preferable choice ahead of Theo Walcott on the wing at the moment. The two forwards may be as fast as each other, but the work-rate and power Welbeck provides the attack with is invaluable.
He may not be the most clinical of finishers but he isn’t afraid to confront his defenders, and has the capability to pass them with pace and power, leaving them for dead. His first touch may also be on the sloppy side but on current form for club and country, Welbeck warrants his place in the team.
LW: Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean is also an automatic starter, with the 19 goals he’s scored in all competitions already this season. Alexis’ works hard and defends from the front. Much like Danny Welbeck, he’ll continue to put his opposition under massive pressure to reclaim possession.
His dynamism in the attack will frighten many opposing defenders, plus this is a game which Alexis will be relishing the opportunity to get back to scoring ways in.
CF: Olivier Giroud
Giroud has always got to be leading the front line. He’s developed into one clinical and technically assured finisher of the ball.
His hold up play and goalscoring instinct since his return from injury has seen him equal Alexis’ Premier League goal tally of 13. The Frenchman scored in every match he played in last month and was once again on the score sheet for France in midweek.
His form is a welcomed luxury Arsenal have at their disposal and will give Liverpool defenders some hard work to do.