The Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern are not very confident ahead of a clash against Chelsea this weekend…
Whilst the Gunners have been impressing over the last few weeks, a 2-1 loss against Watford earlier this week has really taken the wind out of their sails. The Arsenal fans in the Tavern were touting their side for Premier League glory a few days ago, but now…not so much.
The defeat was made worse by an injury to Aaron Ramsey, which has left Arsene Wenger’s side seriously struggling for midfield options.
The question marks over Arsenal have come at a bad time, too, with the Gunners facing Premier League leaders Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea have looked brilliant this season, and if Arsene Wenger wants to stand any chance of getting one over on the Blues – he simply must ensure that he gets it right on the day.
His team selection will need to be absolutely perfect, and with somewhat of an injury crisis currently overtaking the Gunners – he will need to make a few key decisions.
With that said, this is the predicted Arsenal XI Wenger will field to play Chelsea on Saturday…
GK – Petr Cech
Petr Cech is Arsenal’s undisputed number 1 goalkeeper.
He is getting on in years, but he remains solid at the back.
LB – Nacho Monreal
Nach Monreal is a consistent part of the Arsenal defence, and has impressed this season.
He’ll need to be alert when facing Victor Moses.
CB – Laurent Koscielny
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Electric pace and towering heads, Koscielny will need to be on his game.
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Shkodran Mustafi has looked shaky at points this season, but he has had an otherwise stellar debut season in England.
His partnership with Koscielny is vital.
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Hector Bellerin returned last weekend, though was dropped to the bench in the midweek game.
The Gunners really missed him, and if he is fit – he simply must start.
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Francis Coquelin is Arsenal’s only fully fit central defender at the moment, and will be under pressure to impress.
He needs to be the defensive man in an otherwise very attacking midfield.
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With no other fit central midfielders, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be forced to come in and play slightly deeper.
He will need to be disciplined and resolute, but he can the quality.
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Alex Iwobi scored in midweek, and you would expect him to keep his place.
His electric pace and offensive threat is vital. He is getting better every week.
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Mesut Ozil has been very up and down this season, and will certainly need to have an ‘up’ game against Chelsea.
He looked good in the reserve fixture.
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Theo Walcott is a fantastic footballer, and he is enjoying a wonderful season.
His electric pace is vital, but he has added goals to his game.
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Alexis Sanchez, simply put, must start as a number 9.
Olivier Giroud was poor last weekend, and must be relegated to the bench.
