Arsenal take on QPR at Loftus Road tomorrow evening, looking to maintain their momentum in the race for top 4, whilst Chris Ramsey’s men aim to keep out of the drop zone.
Team News
There’s good news for the Gunners as the squad will greet the return of Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who’s been struggling to keep away from a recurring hamstring problem all season. His last appearance came against Leicester three weeks ago, but was forced off despite coming on as a substitute.
Francis Coquelin could retain his place in the team despite fracturing his nose on the weekend. Jack Wilshere remains sidelined after minor ankle surgery, as Mathieu Flamini also misses out with a hamstring injury.
QPR will welcome ex-Tottenham midfielder Sandro back to the team, after being sidelined with a knee injury sustained back in November, whilst defenders Nedum Onuoha and Mauricio Isla could also make their return. Team captain Joey Barton misses out due to suspension.
Team Line-ups
Arsene Wenger is likely to reshuffle his pack for tomorrow’s game. Nacho Monreal is likely to return to the team after making way for Kieran Gibbs on the weekend, though Gabriel Paulista could continue to partner Laurent Koscielny ahead of Per Mertesacker in the heart of the defence, after impressing on his Premier League début. David Ospina is also likely to continue deputising between the sticks.
The midfield is likely to see Coquelin remain in his holding role, alongside in-form Santi Cazorla. Although, there may be question marks on who will get the nod between Mesut Ozil or Tomas Rosicky in this contest. Rosicky is known for his high energy levels, and is likely to work harder defensive than the German, so it’ll be interesting to see what Wenger decides.
The attack could see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain retain his place, alongside Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud who scored his 9th league goal on Sunday. However, there is a fair chance either Theo Walcott or Danny Welbeck could replace the Ox on the wing.
Arsenal:Â Ospina, Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Rosicky, Cazorla (C), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis, Giroud
QPR: Green, Isla, Ferdinand (C), Caulker, Yun, Sandro, Henry, Kranjcar, Fer, Austin, Zamora