Despite a largely disappointing campaign, Arsenal have the opportunity to end the season on a high note by winning a third FA Cup in four years. Considering that the Gunners’ opponents are Premier League champions Chelsea, the team selection has to be spot on. The latest team news is that both Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez are available for selection, but Shkodran Mustafi has not trained yet and is not expected to be available. In light of the team news, here’s how I would set up the team.
Starting from the defence, I would revert to a back-four. Should Arsenal go with a back-three, we would need Mertesacker to start and considering the fact that the big German has not started a game in over a year, I certainly would not risk it in a game as big as the FA Cup final. So that leaves Rob Holding and Nacho Monreal in the heart of the Gunners’ defence and while this is also a gamble, I think it’s a little more stable than having to play BFG.
At the full-back positions, I would have Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs. Despite the fact that the Ox is fit and available for selection again, I think Hector has been immense since his return to the side and does not deserve to lose his place. Also, Petr Cech will be vital in this setup. Quite evidently, this backline lacks a leader and the former Chelsea man must take it upon himself to bark instructions and communicate with his defence.
Moving on to the midfield, I would go with a Ramsey-Xhaka pivot. Xhaka has thrived in the role of a deep-lying midfielder recently and Ramsey looks like he’s finally hit some form. The tenacity and creativity of the Swiss and the endless running of the Welshman compliment each other perfectly and makes for an effective engine room. When it comes to the Number 10 role, Mesut Ozil is the name that is synonymous with it and rightfully so!
Finally to the front-three, I would go with Sanchez on the left, Oxlade-Chamberlain on the right and Danny Welbeck through the middle. While I need to make no justification for the selection of the wide men, I’ve put Danny in because the Englishman can run the channels effectively, compliment counter-attacks and he is not too bad in the air either. Perhaps Olivier Giroud can be an impact substitute later on in the game.
My Arsenal XI: Cech; Bellerin, Holding, Monreal, Gibbs; Xhaka, Ramsey; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Sanchez; Welbeck.
Do you agree?
Anurag
My Arsenal XI 2017/18
De Gea, varane, mustafic, kos, mendy, aurier isco, bakayoko, lemar, mbappe, lewandoski
I probably wouldn’t leave Messi or Ronaldo on the bench.
At 30 and 32yo,
They are old and ageing lack of pace
Pass the weed lad ????
I think you need to put Mert in the middle of the back three and play a bit more defensively otherwise Costa and Hazard will run riot. Maybe even take Ozil out because we need everyone defending, he was a major problem last time we played them and was ineffective. Stack the midfield to control the game but play a bit deeper. Chelsea’s backs aren’t that quick so if we can sit back a bit and play behind them with the pace of Sanchez, Welbeck and maybe Walcott, we could beat them at their own game.
Cech
Holding, Mert, Monreal
Bellerin, Xhaka, Ramsey, Gibbs
Walcott or Ox, Sanchez, Welbeck
3,4,3 or the wingers and fullbacks can drop back, 5,4,1
Very defensive but nice pace on the counter and enough talent to control the tempo seeing as though Xhaka and Ramsey are finding some form and can make those long passes or push forward themselves.
You’d be shocked that Mr. Wenger do not have a clue on the tactics to employ today.
Not too concerned about team.
Fingers crossed this is Wenger’s last game
If wenger loses today it will surely mean an end to his reign wouldn’t it?
Martinez
Bellerin Holding Bielik Bramall.
Xhaka Nwakali
Chamberlain Iwobi Adelaide
Mavididi
Welcome to the future.
cech
holding mert monreal
bellerin xhaka Ramsey oxlade
Ozil Alexis
Welbeck
I don’t trust gibbs
Petr injured himself in the training, David will take his place in the goal.
I would go 2 strikers against Chelsea… Logic behind is that Chelsea play from Back…. Luiz is ball playing Centre Back who drives forwarded till half line and take Centre Back line pushing forward which allows Wing Backs on their front foot hence ultimately they become fully attacking unit of Alonso, Moses, Hazard, Pedro and Costa… But Service being provided to them from back…. Matic and Kante useless in attack….. So if we are having 2 forwards then we can press Luiz and company from back which would require Hazard and Pedro to move deeper to receive ball which will bring Costa in isolated situation against 2 Centre Back….
Sorry not criticising but why pick players who will not be playing?
Cech is out in favour of Ospina and also I believe Gibbs is injured.