We already know that Theo Walcott will not be on the pitch or on the bench for Arsenal tomorrow as the Gunners play host to the old rivals Manchester United. Hopefully though, Arsene Wenger will be able to start with Danny Welbeck up front but the 23-year old may be ruled out with a hamstring problem picked up on England international duty.
Assuming the worst then, how can Arsenal line up for this vital game that we really need to win and simply cannot afford to lose? With no Walcott or Welbeck, Arsenal have lost a huge amount of pace up front and we really need that pace to give the United players a real worry about pressing forwards and pressuring our shaky defence. But without Welbeck, it looks like Olivier Giroud will start as our centre forward and whatever the Frenchman brings to the team, it is not pace.
So I think we might have to shuffle the system a little and move Alexis Sanchez back out to the right forward position, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left. That would give pace, power and work rate on both flanks, giving United problems, runners for Giroud to link up with and also protection to the Arsenal full backs.
It would also mean that Santi Cazorla could pull the strings from his favourite CAM position, with either Ramsey or Wilshere bursting through or playing balls in behind the United defence. And if Wenger plays a 4-1-4-1 formation, then either Arteta of Flamini can sit and protect the back four. Here is my team, unless Welbeck is fit to play of course:
Szczesny
Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs
Flamini
Alexis, Cazorla, Wilshere, Chamberlain
Giroud
What do you think Gooners?
.–chambers-mert-monreal-gibbs–.
Wtf!…..don’t you ever Learn?
1-Sczerny
2-Hector
3-Gibbs
4-mertsacker
5-chambers
6-arteta
7-chamberlain
8-Carzola
9-podolski
10-SANCHEZ
11-Campbell
Trust me that is the best team and will win
Play joel campbell and lukas podolski! Coyg!
“Assuming the worst then, …”
Actually, the scenario you painted is no the “worst” case. Alexis himself just returned on Friday and might not play due to fatigue. Giroud is also just returning from injury, and ideally needs to have 1 game with the reserves before he gets a start (but then he’s made from metal, so you never know).
So we’re looking at the possibly of Sanogo starting upfront tomorrow helped by Podolski and the Ox from the flanks. Sanogo has been on fire for the U21, so maybe he’ll get some goals tomorrow 😀
Agree with twig. Sanogo could be a good bet, giroud on the bench. Welbeck may yet be fit though. Talking of players fit, where’s gnabry and hayden? As for per and monreal no no no! We must start chambers at cb and benefit from bellerins pace on the flank. Doubt wenger will do this though 🙁 ps really hope sanchez can play some part we so need him!
Is this writer serious? play monreal as RB/move chambers to CB w/BFG. Play campbell the UTD slayer and i would rather have poldi because if he gets half a chance he will score look at the stats. Playing Monreal as CB against rooney/rvp, are you kidding me?
just dont learn….
we can never beat man utd….
same old with last season….
not with your negativity …. but if you remain positive, we can pull out this one.
seriously? how wuld hafiz’s positivity affect AW’s player selection, or impact on the players’ performance n hunger…wenger has 2 step down, he’s lost it.
Completely agree. I gave that recommend. Very sensible post.
Where is Jack or Ramsey?
Wenger out