Date: 23rd March 2016 at 7:30pm
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The end of the season is rapidly approaching and Arsenal have eight crucial Premier League fixtures left, with it still mathematically possible to end a 12-year wait for an elusive league crown.

Arsenal currently sit 11 points behind leaders Leicester City and six points behind north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with a game in hand against the pairing. A win in that fixture would cut the deficit but a formidable run of form is required.

The Gunners cannot afford any further slip-ups and Arsene Wenger’s team selection needs to be spot on. However, with some many changes this season in terms of form and injuries, how does Arsenal’s first-choice XI truly look?

Here, @DanGaleaStJohn had a look and gave his own assessment!

GK: Petr Cech
He should be back after the international break, and despite Ospina’s fine form, Cech is an obvious starter. He has been sublime all season, and we need him for the title run-in.

RB: Hector Bellerin
One of the most consistent players of the season so far, and he’s recently added a few assists to his game. Currently there is not much competition for the right back spot, and Bellerin has been the undisputed first choice right back so far, so there’s absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t retain his position for the run-in.

CB: Laurent Koscielny
Arsenal’s loss against Watford highlighted how much Arsenal’s rely on Koscielny is. Arsenal’s best defender by a mile, he rarely puts in a foot wrong nowadays.

CB: Gabriel
I’m not too sure about him, especially given his performance versus United, but he kept Lukaku quiet last weekend, and Mertesacker would not have been able to do that with his lack of pace. Gabriel still has a lot to learn, but I think that Wenger is starting to prefer him to Mertesacker.

LB: Nacho Monreal
Another one of Arsenal’s most consistent players, Monreal barely gave Gibbs a sniff at a starting role in the team all season. Solid, and reliable. Monreal is another definite starter.

CDM: Francis Coquelin
He was quite superb versus Everton, although his performance may have gone unnoticed. I really like Coquelin, but ever since his return from injury he has found it hard to replicate last season’s form.

I do think that his last couple of games have indicated that he is returning to form, so there is no reason why Flamini should get the nod ahead of him.

CM: Mohamed Elneny
I’m guessing that Wilshere will not have a say this season, and that Cazorla will not be rushed back. Also, Elneny has been brilliant lately.

His goal versus Barcelona was superb, and he seems to have formed quite a partnership with Coquelin. With Ramsey out for a while this is his chance to continue shining.

LW: Alexis Sanchez
He has had quite a difficult season, especially in the second half of the campaign since he returned from injury, but we have seen some encouraging signs in his last few games. His goal against Spurs and his assist for Welbeck on Saturday were timely reminders of what he’s capable.

RW: Joel Campbell
I have to admit that Iwobi looks special, but I do hope that he isn’t rushed into the first team too quickly. Campbell rarely seems to be given any playing time, despite always performing quite well when called upon by Wenger. I’m sure he won’t start even half the remaining games, but he deserves to.

CAM: Mesut Ozil
Arsenal’s player of the season, and despite his dip in form, he is the team’s main source of creativity, so I would never consider dropping him as long as there’s points to fight for. He’s only a couple of assists away from Henry’s record, also.

CF: Danny Welbeck/Olivier Giroud
Based on recent form, I would pick Welbeck, but that depends on his fitness. And so, there are times when Giroud will have to start ahead of the Englishman.

Giroud needs to find his form fast if Arsenal are going to have a shot at the title. Currently, Welbeck isn’t doing much wrong, but because of his recent injury, he cannot be risked too much.

 

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