After a rather disappointing 2-0 loss to West Ham on the opening day, Arsenal will look to bounce back and get back to winning style before facing Liverpool the next week. So, as Arsenal gear up to play away against Crystal Palace, we take a look at the Potential team that could be picked by Manager Arsene Wenger.
GOALKEEPER
Petr Cech would definitely start the game between the sticks even after a debut in red that the Czech International would want to forget. Arsene Wenger captured the 33 year old in the transfer market for 11 million pounds and limiting him to the bench is clearly not why Wenger bought him for.
DEFENCE
Left back Nacho Monreal would start ahead of Kieran Gibbs as the Spain International proved his worth in the team last season. A solid centre back partnership of BFG Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny that brings stability to the defence will be preferred. It would be interesting to see who the Manager picks at right back; Hector Bellerin has regained fitness after a Thigh strain and is ready to provide competition for Frenchman Mathieu Debuchy. It would probably be the Spanish International who plays today as Debuchy couldn’t offer width going front against West Ham, and also the pace of Bellerin could prove crucial to limit down the attack of Palace from the left hand side.
MIDFIELD
Francis Coquelin has become an indispensable defensive midfielder for the Gunners after his rise to throne last season. We could see him partner alongside Welshman Aaron Ramsey, who plays like a complete box-to-box midfielder. This would see Santi Cazorla played wide on the left even though he adapted to the deep-lying playmaker role last season. German playmaker Mesut Ozil would play the role of a No. 10; his vision and passing ability is second to none. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, a hot prospect who was a threat to West Ham last game could retain his place as Arsene believes this could be his breakthrough season; inspite of the error that lead to the second goal last season. But if that carries weight on Wenger’s mind, we could well see Oxlade Chamberlain back on the bench with Ramsey occupying the right flank and Cazorla playing alongside Coquelin. Then, the only choice at the left flank would be Alexis Sanchez, which is quite unlikely as Wenger would want to slowly ease the Chilean into the team.
FORWARD
Olivier Giroud could play ahead of Theo Walcott because of the strength and hold up play offered by the Frenchman, which is very useful against the Palace defence. Although, Walcott could be introduced at the hour-mark with his pace that brings a different dimension to the Arsenal Attack.
UPDATE:
Here is the official Lineup:
Arsenal starting XI vs. CPFC: Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Ramsey; Cazorla, Ozil, Alexis; Giroud
Substitutes: Ospina,Gabriel,Gibbs,Debuchy,Arteta,Walcott,OX
