All of a sudden, the Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern have shot into life following their FA Cup semi final triumph over Manchester City.
The so called ‘crisis’ at the Emirates is now on hold and the Gunners are now preparing for a cup final much to the disgruntlement of our landlord.
Whilst he is happier than most to see Arsene Wenger in the FA Cup final, he believes that the Arsenal fans don’t deserve a cup final following all their moaning this season especially those that were so critical of Wenger.
Saying this, the Gunners fans are still divided on Wenger’s future at Arsenal and some will see the FA Cup as the perfect farewell for their legendary boss, whilst some will see it as a reason for the Arsenal board to make sure he signs a new deal for their club.
Before any of that, Arsenal welcome last season’s Champions, Leicester City to the Emirates on Wednesday and the Gunners have an outside chance of making the Champions League places still on the horizon.
Our landlord has stated that this simply is a must win for Arsene Wenger’s men and has outlined the XI he believes can bring the Gunners the three points.
Let’s take a look at the team here…
GK: Petr Cech
The former Chelsea keeper hasn’t been his usual self this season with many in the Tavern criticising him for his lack of bravery for Sergio Aguero’s opener in the FA Cup semi final.
However, Cech still remains Arsenal’s number one and will want to show some strong form to finish the season.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi
Though Mustafi missed the FA Cup semi final with a thigh injury, our landlord expects the German to return for this one.
Though the Gunners in the Tavern were impressed with Gabriel at the weekend, they do feel much comfortable with Mustafi in their backline.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
The stand in Arsenal captain has done his best to lead his side through the difficulties this season and our landlord has lauded the Frenchman’s performances.
Koscielny is probably the most important part of the Gunners’ defence and will look to have a good game come Wednesday.
CB: Rob Holding
The young Gunner has really impressed the resident Gunners in the Tavern with his last two performances in the back three and it’s safe to say that they want to see more of Holding.
The former Bolton Wanderers man will want to take every opportunity given to him to solidify his place in the Arsene Wenger’s first team.
RWB: Hector Bellerin
The Spaniard has been waiting to rectify his lack of form this season and the congested fixture list may see Bellerin get a chance against Leicester in this one.
The wing back role will be a new challenge for Bellerin but our landlord believes it may actually suit his game more.
CM: Francis Coquelin
Coquelin may also be a beneficiary of Arsene Wenger choosing to rotating his squad and may play here against Leicester.
The Frenchman has been one of the under performers for the Gunners this season after his failure to capitalise on the strong introduction to the team that he enjoyed last season.
CM: Granit Xhaka
The jury still seems to be out on Xhaka and rightly so according to our landlord who is frustrated at the Swiss international not being able to showcase his real talent.
Our Gunners in the Tavern agree with the landlord and have been especially disappointed with Xhaka’s disciplinary record.
LWB: Kieran Gibbs
A loyal servant to the Gunners, our landlord believes Gibbs will get a start here in place of Nacho Monreal.
The Englishman has been in and out the Arsenal side of late and many Arsenal fans in the Tavern are questioning whether Gibbs will move on in the summer.
RF: Mesut Ozil
With all the criticism he receives, there is no doubting Ozil’s class in the final third and his contribution will be vital here for the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger will surely be looking to the German to unlock Leicester’s defence come Wednesday.
ST: Danny Welbeck
Following his positive impact from the bench in Sunday’s FA Cup semi final against City, our landlord believes Welbeck will get the start in the place of a rested Olivier Giroud.
The Englishman’s season has been interrupted by injury and he will be looking to retain some form for the end of the season.
LF: Alexis Sanchez
What else can be said about Alexis Sanchez?
The highly talented Chilean came to Arsenal’s aid with the winner to see them in to the FA Cup final and his fight will always be commended by the resident Gunners in the Tavern who demand he stays at the Emirates for next season.
