Experiment In the Midfield: Arsenal Predicted Lineup To Face Chelsea!
Feb 4, 2017 at 12:36 PM
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal has not made a great start to 2017 as they have managed to pick up just 4 points from the 3 games in the Premier League. They lost to Watford at home in the previous round and have an even tougher task ahead of them this weekend when they travel to the Stamford Bridge for a London Derby of sorts. Wenger’s side beat Chelsea in the previous leg of the tie earlier this season and they will have to put in a similar performance if they are to stay in the hunt for the title. Though Wenger’s side has been hit by injuries recently, he is expected to field his strongest side and here is the predicted lineup that might face Chelsea at the Bridge this weekend.
Team News:
The likes of Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Yaya Sanogo are all missing this game with injury alongside Granit Xhaka who is suspended. Mohamed Elneny remains on international duty while Mathieu Debuchy, though back in training is not expected to make the starting XI. Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both missed the games at the mid-week but are expected to be back in action for this tie.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Petr Cech:
The first choice shot-stopper for Arsenal this season, Cech, has been in sublime form and will hope to have a decent outing on his comeback to the Bridge.
Hector Bellerin:
The Spaniard has been effective as a right back in the last few games and Wenger will hope that he can put in a similar performance in the derby.
Laurent Koscielny:
One of the best players in his position, Koscielny, will be up against a robust Diego Costa this weekend in London.
Shkodran Mustafi:
The German defender has settled into his life at the Emirates well and he will hope to put in a match-winning performance against Chelsea.
Nacho Monreal:
Though played the full 90 minutes in the game earlier in the week, Monreal is the first choice for Wenger and should start this game at left-back.
Francis Coquelin:
Coquelin has been superb this season for the Gunners in the midfield and he will have to keep the likes of Hazard, Willian and Pedro away from danger if the Gunners are to take anything from this game.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain:
Though not the first choice midfielder, Wegner, should use Ox, alongside Coquelin, in the absence of key players for this game against the table toppers.
Theo Walcott:
Though has been ineffective recently, Walcott is an impact player and will hope to find some joy against the likes of Monreal on the flank.
Mesut Ozil:
The German playmaker has also not been at his best recently and Arsenal will need him to put in a decent performance on this trip to the Bridge.
Alexis Sanchez:
The Chilean has been pushed on to the wing in the last few games and with Welbeck finding some form, he should start on the wing against the Blues.
Danny Welbeck:
Just coming back from injury, the English striker, has already shown signs of decent form and will get a chance to start this crunch tie.