Xhaka, Ramsey Or Ox? Arsenal Predicted Lineup To Face West Bromwich Albion
Mar 18, 2017 at 10:37 AM
After the humiliation of the two Champions league games against Bayern Munich, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal were back to winning ways beating Lincoln City in the FA Cup to move into the semifinals of the competition. However, they are back in action this week in the Premier League when they face a tricky trip to the Hawthorns in search of three crucial points. The Gunners are currently in the 5th place in the points table, 5 points off Liverpool in 4th, having played 2 games less. They have a decent chance of moving into the top-4 come the end of the season but cannot afford any more slip-ups in the remaining games. Wenger will hope that his side can take maximum points from this tie and here is the predicted lineup he might field on the night:
Team News:
Santi Cazorla, Mathieu Debuchy, and Yaya Sanogo remain long-term injuries for Wenger ahead of this game. Mohamed Elneny and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both back in training and could play a role in this game while Kieran Gibbs is also expected to make the squad.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Petr Cech:
The first choice shot-stopper for Arsenal, Cech has been in terrific form for his side and he should start this game in between the sticks.
Hector Bellerin:
Recently linked with an exit, Bellerin has been consistent this season for Arsenal and Wenger will hope that he can put in some impressive performances from now to the end of the campaign.
Laurent Koscielny:
The French international is the marshal of the back-line for Arsenal and he should keep his place in the side for this tie.
Shkodran Mustafi:
The German international has been superb in his first season at the club and he should partner Koscielny at the back for Arsenal in this game.
Nacho Monreal:
With Gibbs till not back to full fitness, Monreal is the only option for Wenger at the left-back position for this crunch game.
Francis Coquelin:
The first choice midfielder for Wenger, Coquelin has also been consistent for Arsenal and he should start this game in front of the backline for the Gunners.
Granit Xhaka:
With Elneny just back to training and Oxlade-Chamberlain still not fully fit, Wenger should stick with Xhaka to partner Coquelin in the middle of the park.
Theo Walcott:
Recently dropped out of the England national squad, Walcott will hope to hit back with an impressive performance against the Baggies.
Mesut Ozil:
Currently, in the middle of a barren spell, Ozil has just not been able to create enough chances for Arsenal but will hope to turn things around for his side in this tie.
Alex Iwobi:
The youngster has also been impressive on the flank for Arsenal recently and he should keep his place in the side for this trip to the Hawthorns.
Alexis Sanchez:
Though criticized recently for the lack of respect to the club, Sanchez remains the most important player for the Gunners and should lead the attack for his side in this tie.
This is how they would line up: