Champions league playoff tie – Arsenal vs Besiktas: What could be the possible changes in Arsenal’s lineup from Everton game? by SE
Arsenal welcome Besiktas to the Emirates tomorrow night, as both sides have different proposition in front of them, albeit with the same ambition. Arsenal ‘simply’ need to win the game, which by no means is going to be a cakewalk for them. Besiktas would look to exploit an Arsenal lineup that could be devoid of a couple of crucial players. The Gunners will also have to contend with the away goal rule, which could see a goal-scoring draw work in favor of the Turkish outfit. Anything goes, what could be the possible changes in Arsenal’s line-up from the Everton game at the weekend?
Firstly, and most conspicuously, the absence of Ramsey, due to his suspension from the first leg, will have to be dealt with carefully by Wenger, who will also be without the services of Arteta, after twisting his ankle in the reverse leg last Tuesday. Arteta and Ramsey are two vital cogs in the Arsenal machine but – at this moment – qualification will be the primary goal for Wenger and Arsenal. I, personally, expect Koscielny to come in place of Flamini, and Chambers playing the No.4 role in Arsenal’s engine room.
It will be a tossup between Ozil and Cazorla, as to who partners Wilshere in the middle of the park. Will Wenger shift to a 4-2-3-1 system, which would allow him to play a double midfield pivot in Chambers and Wilshere? He could well do that. But, if he sticks to the dynamic 4-3-3 system, playing Ozil and Cazorla alongside Wilshere won’t be a bad move, either.
And, if Ozil or Cazorla do get to feature in Arsenal’s midfield, there could be a void in the Left-Wing where Campbell or Rosicky could start for the North Londoners. Podolski wasn’t even on the bench against Everton, and there is a staunch speculation that the German could leave Emirates, and join Bundesliga club Wolfsburg – a move that could be used to bring Brazilian midfielder, Luis Gustavo to Arsenal. Sanchez could be reverted back to playing as a Right-Winger, after his solitary game as striker in the game against Everton.
As a result, who could lead the line for Arsenal? Wenger, in his press conference after the Everton game, proclaimed that Giroud had incurred an ankle injury, which could potentially rule out the Frenchman from Wednesday night’s clash against Besiktas. The French striker was scheduled to undergo a scan on Monday, after which the full extent of injury could be revealed. And, going by the latest reports, the 27-year old looks likely to miss tomorrow’s clash, while the extent of injury is yet to be confirmed. Yaya Sanogo is expected to return to action, however, which would be welcome news for the Gunners, who have this all important clash against Besiktas to overcome.
Here’s how Arsenal’s starting XI against Besiktas could turn out to be;
Formation – 4-2-3-1;
Arsenal’s probable starting XI: Wojciech Szczesny (GK), Per Mertesacker (C), Laurent Koscielny, Mathieu Debuchy, Nacho Monreal, Calum Chambers, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo.