Arsene Wenger would have been hoping that he could bring Danny Welbeck back into the starting line-up for Arsenal today, as the England forward has been in good form so far this season and his pace and power would have been ideal for this away clash with struggling Everton, but Wellbz has not won the race to be fit in time.
There was better news for the boss ahead of this must win match, though, with both Aaron Ramsey and Lauremnt Koscielny making themselves available to strengthen our central midfield and the injury hit defence.
Cech
Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal
Bellerin, Xhaka, Ramsey, Kolasinac
Alexis, Ozil, Lacazette
subs: Macey, Wilshere, Giroud, Walcott, Holding, Iwobi, Coquelin
With Monreal on the other side of Mertesacker Arsenal should be much harder to breach and with Ozil in front of Ramsey and Xhaka we should be able to create a lot more chances for Alexis Sanchez and Lacazette up front, with the flying wing backs Bellerin and Kolasinac to add even more pace and penetration.
It is a strong Gunners side but what is more important is that they approach the game in the right way. A fast start and giving the under pressure home team no easy way to raise the Everton fans’ morale is a must and I feel that an early goal could lead to a fair few more.
A poor start, though, and we could be in trouble. COYG.
Bob.