There will definitely be a few disappointed Arsenal players after our unlucky exit from the Champions League, and the fatigue of playing two games in four days may have taken it’s toll as well, but we now have to pick ourselves up and prepare for the visit to Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.
There are calls for Wenger to rest Alexis again as he seems to have found Wenger’s handbreak lately, and Kos could give his Achilles a little respite ahead of the tougher games approaching….
We’ll start with Ospina, who had very little to do in Monaco, but still feels safer than Szczesny to me. In front of him Gabriel is due another outing alongside Mertesacker, while Bellerin and Gibbs could use their attacking runs down the wings to put pressure on the Magpies. Perhaps Debuchy could come on for Bellerin when we are far enough ahead, and Monreal has been fantastic lately but should give way to Gibbs so he has a chance to stay match-fit.
Coquelin goes without saying, and as Ramsey only played half a game against Monaco he should start this time. Cazorla also deserves a little rest and I think Ozil will be used in the middle. He is finally proving his worth and Wenger won’t rest him unless he is forced to…
Giroud will hope to continue his excellent form as centre-forward, and I want to see Walcott and Welbeck helping him out down the flanks, at least until one of them tires.
This side should be full of pace and a quick start will enable us to put the game to bed before half-time and just enjoy ourselves in the second period..
How does that sound, Gooners?