There has been plenty of good news for Arsenal on the injury front, although we still had to suffer the bad news about Msathieu Debuchy and Mikel Arteta being out for long spells. But the Arsenal squad is certainly looking stronger and giving Arsene Wenger better options.
Not before time either, because today’s opponents Man City are also able to name two key players back from the start in the shape of Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero. But at least they do not have Nasri or Toure so things could be tougher for the Gunners.
Wenger has resisted the urge to bring back Ozil, Walcott, Chambers or Gibbs into the Arsenal starting XI, although all of them are fit enough to play and are on the bench. So Oxlade-Chamberalin continues with Alexis and Giroud in the front three, while the back four is unchanged.
The boss has brought Aaron Ramsey back into central midfield but he has also kept faith with the Frenchman Coquelin, who will fave the sternest test of his fledgling career today. Ospina also keeps his place in goal with Szczesny unable to displace the Colombian.
Ospina
Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal
Coquelin, Ramsey
Alexis, Cazorla, Chamberlain
Giroud
subs: Szczesny, Chambers, Gibbs, Flamini, Rosicky, Ozil, Walcott
A good strong Gunners side with good options on the bench is a rarity this season, but will it be enough to get us the result?