Pundit Arena Because Sport Is Everything
Following a scrappy win against Southampton on Saturday Arsenal take on European giants Paris Saint Germain at the Parc des Princes, and with an almost fully fit squad Wenger’s selection will prove to be interesting. With Arsenal’s generic 4-2-3-1 formation, here is how the team could line-up:
Goalkeeper – Petr Cech
Yes, you guessed it, Petr Cech will more than likely be filling Arsenal’s goal with his 6”5 frame. The Arsenal regular conceded a rather unfortunate own goal on Saturday however Cech typically executed a number of top saves and it would be a massive shock if he was left out of the starting eleven.
Right Back – Hector Bellerin
The pacey Spaniard’s inclusion would not shock anyone considering Mathieu Debuchy has just returned to training and Calum Chambers is currently out on loan – this is near enough an absolute certainty.
Centre Back – Shkodran Mustafi
Big Champions League clashes are one of the reasons the German was brought in for considering his £35 million price tag. Mustafi showed flashes of his defensive qualities on Saturday and it would be surprising if he did not make the first eleven.
Centre Back – Laurent Koscielny
Arsenal’s captain (quite rightly) will start in Paris tomorrow. The Frenchman is arguably Arsenal’s most influential player currently and his presence is almost mandatory at the back for Arsenal.
Left Back – Nacho Monreal
It has to be, doesn’t it? There is seemingly a similar pattern with all the defensive selections as all the positions tend to fill themselves.
Central Defensive Midfielder – Granit Xhaka
It would be logical to start Xhaka in Paris tomorrow. Similarly to Mustafi, the Swiss’ price-tag would dictate that he was bought to start in colossal matches like this and with him being surprisingly rested at the weekend it would be a shock if he did not start.
Central Defensive Midfielder – Francis Coquelin
This position will probably prove to be Arsene Wenger’s biggest selection headache with the likes of Santi Cazorla and Mohamed Elneny in contention also. However, Coquelin was vital in the midfield on Saturday and with this fixture being played away from home against one of Europe’s elite it may be Wenger’s priority to sure up the defence.
Left Midfielder – Alexis Sanchez
Intelligently, Wenger rested the forward on Saturday following his involvement with Chile and the surplus travelling that goes with the national team, however it would seem dead certain that Alexis will start in Paris on Tuesday considering he is one of Arsenal’s best players.
Central Attacking Midfielder – Mesut Özil
It would be surprising if Wenger left out their conductor. Although the German did not have his greatest game ever against Southampton he will most likely start considering his ability to create chances.
Right Midfielder – Theo Walcott
The right side of midfield will be another selection headache for the Arsenal manager with the likes of Chamberlain being in contention and also Alex Iwobi returning to the set-up following his injury but Wenger may look to Theo Walcott to use his pace to get in behind PSG’s defence considering the French club tend to play a high line-up.
Striker – Olivier Giroud
Although Lucas Perez provides an abundance of will-power and stamina Wenger may look to Olivier Giroud to start for the North London club as Giroud tends to hold the play up for Arsenal by using his physique and experience and gives the team a target man in the box which may be vital considering chances may be hard to come by.
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What are your thoughts? Do you feel Arsene Wenger will select this team or something similar?
