The enthusiasm that follows the return of the Premier League weekend isn’t quite as immense for Arsenal fans today and understandably so.
However, with so many games left to play for, it is imperative we give the team all the support they can get to achieve something worthwhile. The Gunners open today’s proceedings with a visit from in-form Hull City at the Emirates this afternoon.
I expect to see a couple of changes to be honest if maximum points are to be taken out of this fixture.
The front line needs to be graced with power, precision and most importantly individuals with the will and capacity to take on and get through The Tigers’ compact structure.
This simply implies that there will hardly be pockets of space to explore so starting Mesut Özil in the pivot will be a serious miscalculation.
I expect Alex Iwobi to play in his stead and hopefully, we should see Hector Bellerin back in the side to further add a much-needed steel to our right flank.
Ahead of him, Lucas Perez will be my choice as his work rate is only second to Alexis Sanchez’s in that front line.
Olivier Giroud should be brought on from the bench to provide a new dimension to our attack in the second half when The Tigers’ have started to tire out.
Danny Welbeck will be my pick for the left wing for this game ahead of Theo Walcott in the starting 11.
His penchant for driving forward with menace as well as his propensity for taking curlers should come in handy.
Mohammed Elneny and Francis Coquelin will be the pairing to opt for in a game that promises an upset all over it in a bid to mitigate against buildups that can catch us on the counter.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been in exquisite form in the middle of the park since his introduction into the fray but just like Özil, I fear his talents for distribution into space will be quite unnecessary.
Here is the Updated Confirmed Line-ups:
(GK)Petr Cech, (RB) Hector Bellerin, (RCB)Mustafi, (LCB)Koscielny, (LB)Gibbs, (DM)Coquelin, (CM)Chamberlain, (RW)Walcott, (LW)Iwobi, (CAM)Ozil and (CF)Alexis Sanchez.
You can catch up on our midseason review here with former Gunner Adrian Clarke on Arsenal player.
MatchDay : Saturday 11th February 2017, Venue: Emirates Stadium, Time : 13:30 GMT + 1, Prediction: 2-0, Referee: Mark Clattenburg.
COYG!
