Arsenal’s dream starting line-up for Chelsea clash

With the conclusion of the Emirates Cup comes the fast approaching of the FA Community Shield clash with Chelsea. The annual curtain raiser as some like to call it, is next Sunday as Arsenal will lock horns with their old foes once more. Some will say it is the first trophy of the year, others dismiss it as a glorified friendly, the fact remains that is the first game of the English football calendar and an excellent chance to lay down a marker for the season ahead. The opponents in particular will make it a hotly contested match, with relations between the tow club souring in recent years. Last year’s Wenger vs Mourinho row made headlines for weeks, so any chance to test wits yet again will be watched closely.

Having won four out of four pre-season matches this summer, and lifting two trophies in the process being the Barclay’s Asia Trophy and the Emirates Cup(albeit pre-season trophies), Arsenal have picked up a head of steam and will look to make it a clean sweep. The boss spoke about developing a winning habit from the start, and this could be the opportunity.

In a dream world, Wenger completes one or two signings before then, to really lay down a marker and signal of intent. Although the Emirates Cup dominance may imply there is no real need, most gooners will still be chomping at the bit for a fresh face or two, preferably in the centre forward position. Especially considering the fact that Alexis Sanchez won’t be back in time, a new signing just may give the club the boost it needs to defeat Mourinho’s men. Have a look at the dream starting XI to face Chelsea.

Petr Cech

He of course was brought in to be the starter and what better way to start his Arsenal career than to defeat his old club and lift a trophy. He comes to the club with huge billing, with his experience and pedigree expected to strengthen the side from a leadership standpoint. As a keeper, he is if course on another level to the options available at Arsenal and could be set to give us another “12 to 15” points in the words of John Terry.

Nacho Monreal

Though there is much speculation about him possibly leaving the club, it looks like nothing more than rumours for me and Nacho’s performances last season earn him a spot in the XI going into this season. He was superb down the left, one of Arsenal’s most improved and looks ready to kick on. He’s had a quite pre-season, even for a defender, but he has earned the boss’ faith by now.

Laurent Koscielny

Arsenal need a massive season from him yet again, and he usually delivers. Let’s hope he is injury free this year, as he was sorely missed last season. Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy had to deputize in centre half and could never really fill his boots. His intelligence and leadership quality make him a real asset to the side, not to mention his capabilities as a defender which are second to none.

Per Mertesacker

Per get’s a lot of stick, and many gooners would like to see Wenger invest money in yet another centre back, but for me the chance of another defender coming in looks slim to none. Per is actually one of our most consistent performers, and for all his athletic deficiencies, he makes up for it with his intelligence and reading of the game. If Coquelin and Koscielny can stay fit ahead of him and beside him respectively, we should get the best out of Per, as he can do what he does best which is intercept balls and break up play.

Mathieu Debuchy

This is a big season for Mathieu, having suffered a bit of a nightmare debut season last year. Two serious injuries requiring surgery in one season is rare and downright unfortunate, and hopefully those days are well and truly behind him. He showed in the short glimpses he played how good a player he is, and his experience will add to the side greatly. Take nothing away from Bellerin, but Debuchy remains the first choice.

Francis Coquelin

Francis looks to have done enough to retain his place in the side, with Wenger admitting as much and no formal bids being sent for anyone in his position. He was the breakout star last season, but will have his work cut out for him if he is to replicate those performances. The second season is always the hardest, as the feel good factor will have worn out. Although Francis has been at the club since 2008, this is still well and truly his second season as a first team regular and truthfully his first full season.

Aaron Ramsey

Aaron was brilliant this off season, and really staked a claim for a move back to his favoured centre midfield position. His engine to get box to box is marvelous for the team and is irreplaceable when on form. He scores goals, he creates goals, and he prevents goals on the other end. His performance against Lyon was enough for me to move him back centrally, and alongside Coquelin Arsenal should have more than enough defencive cover in front of the back line.

Santi Cazorla

Santi is another man who is irreplaceable, and pushing him back out wide to accommodate Ramsey will take nothing at all away from his game. Santi is a fan favourite at Arsenal and for a good reason. Scintillating technical ability, brilliant passing ability and vision, and a real eye for goal. He is for me the most two footed player in the Premier League and one of the most in all of world football, and he simply has to play when healthy.

Mesut Ozil

Mesut will be under close watch from here on in, having struggled to cope with the intensity of the Premier League initially. He’s had two full seasons under his belt now so he is expected to start delivering and soon. He is growing in stature still and is beginning to impact the matches more now like we know he can. He must find a way to turn his good form into more goals and assists and really take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex was really starting to show he is an integral player for Arsenal last season, but was frustrated by injury niggles, He looks sharp and back to his best at the moment, and should get his place back in the side. His pace and strength are an absolute nightmare for fullbacks, and his clever change of pace is a real weapon for the side. His best position looks to be out wide with his pace and skill, but he will look to interchange with his fellow midfielders. I like Alex because he is never afraid to have a pop at goal and his first instinct is usually to drive forward. There is nothing harder to defend than a winger who runs directly and confidently forward with the ball.

Karim Benzema

We can dream right? If Wenger manages to pull of this coup it will be the biggest transfer in Arsenal history to date. He will instantly make us title challengers and his addition will lift the entire club just as Ozil and Sanchez did. This man can smell a goal at all times, and he would provide that much needed cutting edge in the big matches. He is on the top of nearly everyone’s list when it comes to centre forwards for Wenger to buy and with him we have a constant goal threat. Benzema leading the line will give us 20 goals per season at least, and probably closer to 25. He is taht good and that consistent.