It was a real bow for Arsenal, but just about typical of our terrible luck with injury problems in recent years, to see the January transfer window signing Gabriel limp out of action in the win over QPR last Wednesday. At least Per Mertesacker looked more like his old self when he replaced the Brazilian.
But the German and his partner in central defence Laurent Koscielny might well have a tougher task on their hands tonight against Manchester United. Arsenal will be aiming for a clean sheet, which should also mean a victory if our forwards are on song. That is why I think Arsene Wenger may swap his full backs on both sides of the pitch for tonight.
As you can see on the Arsenal website, Nacho Monreal went through a full training session yesterday and should be available again after his short spell on the sidelines. Both he and Calum Chambers have played at centre back this season and they more defensively minded than Kieran Gibbs and Hector Bellerin.
The Gunners may lose something going forwards, but with Gabriel out and us playing away at a ground where our record is terrible, surely it makes more sense to be solid at the back than adventurous down the flanks. Would you bring Chambers and Monreal back for tonight?
Bellerin, kos, mert, monreal
i think bellerin and gibbs should be first xi
and walcott should also start tonight we got license to kill utd dream
Chambers cannot even block one cross in a whole game, that will be dangerous, then their winger can freely cross it in anytime. So Bellerin has to start.
I rather Bellerin over Chambers any time. Gibbs could give a pace on the attack but we need strong defense.
Bellerin – Per – Boss – Monreal
Let’s wait for the official team line up. You are just guessing !!
Humm its either a guess or he is picking the team instead of wenger!!!!
we should play welbeck ahead of theo he’ll help track back and provide protection and seems to step up in big games i.e vs Real Madrid last season was alot more dangerous than RVP
Feel the pain Van purse strings, cause we’re bringing it.
Agree.
We should keep our defensive pieces defending our king and let the pawns, Knights and bishops do their work.
Checkmate!
Welbeck is starting upfront today! Great! Wenger benches Giroud our most in form striker just when we need him the most. In wenger we trust to pull a crazy selection when it matters most.
It really sucks. Last time we played United Wenger did the same thing and started Welbeck and he brought on Giroud later in the game and Giroud scored. Why not start Giroud? He isn’t WC but he misses less chances than Welbeck
No Giroud in starting lineup
Big mistake
How big a mistake?
Doesn’t look to me like Wenger is taking this seriously. This looks more like an experimental capital one cup side then anything we seriously want to win.
He does take it seriously, he just doesn’t know what’s best anymore:((
I strongly suggest we all calm down and wait for the game to begin. We have said absolutely the same against City and we know how that one end up. I have said that Wenger should play all of the guys who are MOTIVATED enough to bring this one to Wembley.
We are no part of training sessions and we can’t asses how the guys feel. That’s to be left to the staff because that’s why they are paid for.
C’mon! Don’t give up hope right now! You will bring bad karma in the field by doing that.