Ahead of the all-important FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on Sunday, Arsenal have received a massive injury boost as striker Danny Welbeck has returned to training just in time for the showdown at Wembley, with the FA Cup now the only trophy that the Gunners can chase this campaign.
Welbeck, who missed Monday night’s victory over Middlesbrough at the Riverside as a result of a toe injury sustained during the game against Crystal Palace, appears to have shaken off the knock and seems fit enough to lead the Gunners’ attack against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side in what will be Arsenal’s third FA Cup semi-final in four years.
In my opinion, if Danny is fully fit, he must start. The Englishman offers a different dimension to the Arsenal frontline with his endless running, especially down the channels. With Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil set to play behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation, it would make better sense if it was Welbeck that our star duo played behind, considering that the former Manchester United man can run the channels, catch up to quick through balls and let’s not forget, he is not too bad in the air either.
In addition, if Arsenal want to play on the counter attack like the last time they were successful against City, Danny must be up front as he can chase down clearances and initiate attacks. Considering that Manchester City’s defence is just as shaky as Arsenal’s backline, it would be a good strategy to start with a ball-carrier up front as that gives the Gunners’ attack more cutting edge. So with that being said, if Danny is indeed fully fit, which it appears he is, he must start against City on Sunday.