The Arsenal XI that SHOULD face Burnley this Saturday
Massive weekend for Arsenal if not for the opponents but for momentum sake. Two wins on the bounce (both away as well) is surprisingly a first for Arsenal this season and there isn’t a better time than now to kick on. I hope I’m not jinxing it, but is seems the injury crisis is dying down as well and the boys are starting to come into their own. Although Gibbs went down, Walcott, Ramsey, Arteta, Wilshere, and Gnabry have all returned leaving seven (eight if you include Diaby) first team players out (Ozil, Gibbs, Debuchy, Koscielny, Giroud, Ospina, Sanogo). I’m aware that it still a massive number for any club, but for Arsenal we have to count our blessings.
Fantastic news it is for Arsenal and a great platform for the lads to cut the corner. A home match against bottom club Burnley is the perfect match to do just that and with City and Chelsea both showing their vulnerability last weekend, we will be confident of making up more ground. City have lost two on the trot and now face a resurgent United while Chelsea are home to QPR who won’t be such an easy side after picking up their performances as late. I’m expecting a couple of changes to freshen things up and I don’t see Arsenal having much trouble no matter what XI Wenger plays.
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Ill timed challenges aside, he has been steady lately and continues to grow. The pole is our first choice and will be for the considerable future. Besides, Ospina’s injury and Martinez’s inexperience leaves Wenger with no choice regardless.
The spaniard did admirably well deputizing in center back but should get to play his preferred position with Gibbs out injured. Fingers crossed Gibbs shakes off his injury and can return, but I have a feeling it will be Monreal lining up at left back.
Been on the receiving end of some stick lately, but the fact remains he is our most experienced defender. His leadership is huge to this makeshift back line and we need Per to marshall the lads.
Quickly becoming a very important player for us and deputizing well for Koscielny. He will most likely line up alongside Per in central defense. The young Englishman is really coming into his own and looks a right veteran already.
We should get to see our new flying right back this weekend with the injury to Gibbs. Dortmund aside, he has been exceptional in his performances thus far and I like seeing this lad play. He will also continue to grow and pretty soon Arsenal will have two of the league’s best right backs.
I don’t think we will need two holding midfielders to beat Burnley so I expect just Arteta to line up in front of the back line. He is important in the side as he facilitates the play and is the link between defense and midfield.
Rambo was rested at Sunderland, having recently returned from injury, but he should be restored to the side at the weekend. He hasn’t been quite as prolific this season yet but it’s only a matter of time before he starts hitting the net again.
Jack is another who should return to the side after his suspension and is another player whose form is resurgent. Our number 10 should get the number 10 role this weekend ahead of Cazorla and I expect Jack to pull the strings.
A return for Theo? I hope so! I’m happy for Theo and happy for Arsenal to have him back. Wenger said he is perfectly fit but needs competition and I don’t see a better time than Saturday to give him this opportunity. He won’t play the full 90 so I’m hoping he starts and is then withdrawn after an hour or so as opposed to vice versa.
Absolutely no way he wouldn’t get into the XI in his form right now (or any XI for that matter) and Wenger really doesn’t have a choice. He is currently our only player who ALWAYS looks like scoring and should be on the pitch at all times.
Another player Wenger really has no choice but to play (due to injuries to Giroud and Sanogo) but also would be wise to play regardless. Welbeck really does add something to Arsenal. His willingness to work off of the ball is something we have lacked for quite some time and his pace stretches the backline. He is due for a goal and I think one or two will come this weekend.