There is a quiet sense of anticipation building amongst the Arsenal fans in the Football Transfer Tavern ahead of this weekend’s clash against Man Utd…
Games between the two arch rivals are often fiery affairs, and this game looks set to be no different.
Man Utd are struggling in the league, and will no doubt want to prove their worth – whilst Arsenal are firing under Arsene Wenger and will no doubt want to put down a marker for the season ahead.
Arsene Wenger has got things right so far, but everything could change over the course of 90 minutes – and the Frenchman must ensure that his team selection is up to par.
There have been a few situations leading into this game that might suggest that Arsenal could field a slightly changed team against Arsenal – and if Wenger gets it wrong; he could risk losing to Mourinho once more.
With that said, if Wenger deploys this Arsenal XI, Man United will smash Arsenal…
GK – Petr Cech
Petr Cech is usually solid, but he has not been immune to a few mistakes as of late.
RB – Mathieu Debuchy
With Hector Bellerin injured, Debuchy is the natural replacement.
Wenger should think twice, though, as he has been poor lately.
CB – Shkodran Mustafi
There shouldn’t be too many problems with Mustafi, but his defensive partner could make it tough for him.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); CB – Gabriel Paulista
Laurent Koscielny isn’t fully fit, and France ignored Wenger’s request to leave him out during the international break.
Wenger may look to rest him in favour of Paulista – and the Brazilian defender has not been reliable since moving to London.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); LB – Kieran Gibbs
Nacho Monreal has played a lot of football lately, and whilst you would expect Wenger to opt for him once again – Gibbs is also waiting in the wings.
The Englishman, however, hasn’t played much – and could be off the pace.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); CM – Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka has looked better lately, but there is still question marks around him.
Games against Man Utd are often feisty affairs – will he be able to keep his cool?
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); CM – Mesut Ozil
No problems with Ozil offensively – but Man Utd’s threat may mean that he has to work harder than he is used to.
Wenger will be hoping that he doesn’t let any gaps in behind him.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); CM – Francis Coquelin
Coquelin will have his work cut out alongside Xhaka and Ozil.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); LW – Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez has been injured, so that could harm his form – but in truth, he should really be playing up-front.
Wenger could opt for a more natural number 9, though…
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); ST – Olivier Giroud
Giroud has been dropped as of late, and Sanchez has excelled in his place.
Pushing Sanchez to the wing in favour of a natural number 9 could be a mistake, as the Gunners may well struggle for goals.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); RW – Alex Iwobi
Iwobi might just make the first team ahead of Walcott – despite the fact that Walcott has done well this year.
A very tough call for Wenger.
