I expected Arsene Wenger to make some changes to the Arsenal starting line up for the final game of the Premier League season today, at home to the in form West Brom of Tony Pulis. But the Frenchman’s XI is still a bit of a surprise, with both Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere coming in.
Almost as big a surprise is that Wenger has dropped Olivier Giroud to the bench and put the star of the season Alexis Sanchez through the middle. Also, it is Aaron Ramsey that drops to the bench while Santi Cazorla keeps the box to box role alongside Francis Coquelin.
Whether Laurent Koscielny is still a bit under the weather we don’t know but the Frenchman has been replaced by Gabriel while Kieran Gibbs keeps his place at left back. There is great news as well with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain taking his place among the subs after a long injury lay off.
Ospina
Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs
Cazorla, Coquelin
Walcott, Wilshere, Ozil
Alexis
subs: Szczesny, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud
This is a big game for the two England internationals, with Jack given the coveted number 10 position and Theo on the right as they attempt to save their Arsenal careers as well as force their way into the team for Wembley next weekend.