The starting XI Arsenal should play against Monaco
Tomorrow’s match is as big as they come in the season so far. The Champions League is the one competition which has eluded Arsenal so far, and with every year comes new hope and optimism. Monaco is a favourable draw for Arsenal, something we haven’t been able to say for a while, but nonetheless the match will be approached with care and caution.
The gunners come into the game in good form, having won 4 out of their last 5 matches in all competitions. They won 8 out of their last 10 in total, picking up a good head of steam and crawling into third in the table. If ever there were a perfect time to enter European competition, it would be now. Of course Wenger’s return to his old stomping ground has made the rounds in the buildup to the match as well, so everything is in order for an enthralling match of football. Wenger’s team selection will be crucial for the match, with Palace providing a real warning at the weekend.
The boss revealed that Flamini and Ramsey could return to the squad, while Wilshere also made his long awaited return to the squad at the weekend. I don’t think any of them will play from the start, but I do expect a few changes from the team that beat Palace. Click down below to see the XI that should play against Monaco.
Ospina should retain his place in the side, so long as he promises not to ever attempt leap frog Mertesacker for a loose ball again. Aside from that blunder, the Colombian did well against Palace I thought and has done well since his inclusion in the side. Nice safe hands Ospina has and he will need to be alert to the threat of Berbatov.
I’m not usually a fan of replacing players after just one bad showing, but Nacho Monreal was shocking against Palace, and I think perhaps he needs a breather to regroup. The likes of Moutinho and Carrasco (if he recovers in time) will be a big step up from Palace so if Nacho is not himself then Gibbs is the right choice. A more than capable replacement, and has the experience necessary.
The General of Arsenal’s backline. His inclusion was never in any doubt was it? Berbatov is no easy man to keep quite, and is cheeky in his movements, so Koscielny will need to keep an eye on him at all time.
Laurent’s partner in crime will also need to be up for the task, as the likes of Moutinho and Toulalan like to play teasing balls from midfield. With his height, anything aerial will be simple, but he will need to be on his toes for low balls into space.
Missed the weekend with a slight injury, but should return to the side tomorrow. His pace both defensively and going forward is a huge asset to the side and should get the nod over Chambers because of this. Hector gets better every match, and we can really use his pace on the counter to put Monaco in all sorts of trouble.
I promise to forget about that horrific high stud lunge that really could have earned him a red card at the weekend. Not his best showing against Palace, but remains the clear choice in defensive midfield. He has earned his place as first choice, and I don’t think Wenger would rush Flamini back in so soon in any case.
He’s back! There was never any real question as to whether he would retain his place on his return from injury, and his performances go to show why he should always play. Brilliant from Ozil, and looking a lot like the Mesut of old.
Another who has shown this season that he simply has to play no matter what. Superb from Santi this year, and he will definitely walk back into the XI for tomorrow’s match. Fantastic partnership he is forming with both Ozil and Giroud and between the three of them Monaco will be in for a long day.
“The Energizer bunny” they call him for his energy in abundance and I don’t think Monaco will be quite ready for what is about to hit them. Assuming Carvalho or Raggi play (both have a chance but are doubtful), they will have a hard time coping with the pace of Alexis.
While Welbeck has done well lately, I would go with Walcott in this match for his pace on the counter attack and finishing ability. Pace is massive in European matches, as it can be the difference between two sides who are otherwise even in ability. The counter attack is a massive advantage Arsenal have over most sides in the world, and I think the pace of Walcott against Abdennour or Fabinho is favorable for Arsenal.
Scintillating lately as we know, and the clear choice in centre forward at the moment. I won’t mention his 50 Arsenal goals or his 8 goals in the last 11 matches again, but I will say that he is in fine form and earns his place in the XI by default. The Monaco back line will have a hard time coping with the physical presence of Giroud.