Here in the Transfer Tavern, we’ve been rather impressed with the start Arsenal have made to the season – one that sees them joint top with Manchester City going into this weekend’s game with a shaky looking Middlesbrough side.

However, our Gunners supporting punters propping up the bar know all top well that a good start doesn’t always in tail a great finish from the club.

Still, there’s undoubtedly a feeling that this year can be different for Arsene Wenger and his men.

Entering the final few months of his deal in north London, Le Prof looks to have constructed what is arguably his strongest side in years ahead of what could be one last tilt.

Writes itself, doesn’t it?

Though, as we well know, the Emirates giants rarely do anything the easy way.

We see no reason why this starting XI will SMASH Middlesbrough this Saturday.

GK: Petr Cech

There is not real competition for the number one spot at Arsenal – despite a great cover keeper in David Ospina.

Cech will always be number one and as ever has been a solid performer this far for the Gunners.

Except for the in the Champions League….

RB: Hector Bellerin

Bellerin is arguably one of the very best right-backs that the Premier League has to offer, and at still only 21-years-old, has a bright future ahead of him.

The Spanish International has been consistent and with his pace going forward he will cause all kind of problems for the Boro defenders.

CB: Laurent Koscielny

The current captain of the side has been a rock so far at the back for Arsenal and is vital in any kind of title bid the Gunners wish to make.

At 31-years-old his years of experience are paying off well for the small investment the club made in him in 2011.

A leader of the team and a rock at the back!

CB: Shkodran Mustafi

The 24-year-old has been a revelation since his arrival from Liga BBVA side Valencia.

The German international has forged quite the partnership with Koscielny – it’ll be hard for the Boro attacking line to break them down.

The World Cup-winner looks to be the center-back the club has lacked for a long time.

LB: Nacho Monreal

The full-back has been one of the most consistent for the Gunners since his breakthrough after arriving from Malaga alongside teammate Santi Cazorla.

The 30-year-old is by far the best option at left-back ahead of Kieran Gibbs who has found it hard to get back into the Arsenal team and no wonder with Monreal’s recent performances.

CM: Mohamed Elneny

With a suspended Granit Xhaka and an injured Aaron Ramsey, we feel Arsenal still have a strong couple of subs to call on.

Coquelin and Elneny are both very solid defensive central midfielders but we feel with the performances the latter has put in during his brief cameos so far should afford him a starting berth.

CM: Santi Cazorla

The Spanish playmaker was sorely missed by the Gunners last season due to injury problems.

The 31-year-old has been great so far Arsenal and his ability to help combine the play from midfield to attack is vital for his side.

He is a must in any Arsenal team that wants to win the season, and whilst fit, will be in the side no doubt.

LW: Alex Iwobi

The young Nigerian attacker has been an absolute revelation at the Gunners so far this season.

He gained his place through merit after a great display at the end of last term.

The 20-year-old’s skill and ability is second to none and there is no stopping this young lad.

The sky is the limit for this young man and highly regarded by our landlord among many other punters here at the tavern.

RW: Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott has had his critics during his time with Arsenal and England but this season he looks to finally be giving back to the Gunners.

The 27-year-old scored twice last time out in the league and we hope he can maintain that level and not just drop off like previous seasons.

Mesut Ozil

What is there left to say about Mesut Ozil?

The World Cup-winner is utterly crucial to the Gunners’ cause and will be Boro’s major cause for concern as they desperately try and hold off the likely attacking siege to their goal.

ST: Alexis Sanchez

Playing out of position technically – not that you could tell!

Sanchez has found himself playing more central and further up the field.

Keeping Perez and Giroud at bay on the bench; the Chilean has been a quality striker for the Gunners so far this season scoring in a number of games and we feel he could be the difference for Arsenal against Middlesbrough.

Arsenal punters let us know your thoughts ahead of the clash this Saturday.