Arsene Wenger’s squad is starting to look very stacked, which only bodes well for competition within the side and provides plenty of opportunity to introduce fresh legs during the upcoming season run-in. The Gunners host Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool to Emirates on Easter Saturday, a win will provide a massive boost in their race for a top two finish and help secure a top four slot.
Looking back to the 2-1 win over Newcastle which feels like an age ago after an ambiguous international break, the likes of Calum Chambers, Gabriel and Danny Welbeck all started with Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil receiving rests. All three should come back in for the former trio.
We will of course have to wait for Arsene Wenger’s team news update. Aaron Ramsey was a slight doubt, while Danny Welbeck’s knee tweak is even more of a reason why he will make way in the lineup this Saturday.
We’ve gone for David Ospina between the sticks, the Colombian has the No 1 shirt at present and it’s his to lose it seems. Doesn’t look good for Wojciech Szczesny who has also lost his Poland starting spot to former Gunner Lukasz Fabianski.
At right back Bellerin starts, his attacking instincts and pace edges him over Chambers who is a decent option himself. Mertesacker returns to partner Laurent Koscielny, they are still the most stable partnership at present despite a decent start for Gabriel to his Arsenal career. Nacho Monreal retains his place on the left. Both Monreal and Mertesacker will be recharged after a rest over the international break.
In midfield Francis Coquelin starts with Aaron Ramsey ahead (if fit). If not, the Welshman will be replaced by Santi Cazorla in a deeper role with Mesut Ozil further forward. But as it stands we’ve gone for Ramsey in the box-to-box role with little Santi as the No 10.
On the right is Alexis Sanchez with Ozil coming in on the left hand side. Olivier Giroud will hope to extend his fantastic goal scoring streak up front. The Frenchman has been in scintillating form of late.
No place for Theo Walcott unfortunately, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere could make an appearance from the bench if fit.
Stay tuned for the latest team news today..
Here is our predicted lineup:
What would you change Gooners? Share your thoughts below..
, , , , , ,
: ,