This is a big week for Arsenal and it could hardly have got off to a better start, with a dominant performance against Stoke that will surely have restored a lot of confidence and optimism to the players and fans. But there are still two big games to play.
First up is the Champions League opener, away to Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night and then what could turn out to be a crucial away game against last season´s Premier League champions Chelsea. With the domestic title being our clear priority, the game at Stamford Bridge is obviously the most important and with the timing of the fixtures, we might have to rest a few key players in midweek because the Chelsea game kicks off at 12.45 on Saturday, giving the players just two days in between games and a long flight.
Arsene Wenger has a big decision to make as he will also be determined to get off to a winning start in Europe but there are good reasons for him to risk a second string Arsenal side in Zagreb. For one thing, an Arsenal win over Chelsea would keep us right in the title race, boost morale but also wreck Chelsea and Mourinho´s and effectively end their quest to retain the title, so it is definitely worth the risk.
Also, the Gunners squad now has great strength in depth and you would think that we could still beat our Croatian opponents. Look at this second string team that Wenger could field.
Ospina
Debuchy, Chambers, Gabriel, Gibbs
Arteta, Flamini
Chamberlain, Alexis, Campbell
Giroud
I have included Alexis because he is like a duracell bunny and can keep going at full tilt with no problem and Wenger could select another few key players to increase the quality as well, such as Ozil and Walcott. So Gooners, do you think Arsenal should prepare for Wednesday with Chelsea firmly in mind?