Arsenal produced one of their best away performances in some time on Monday when they beat Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup quarter finals, a convincing display reeking of confidence and composure. Arsenal have won six on the bounce in domestic competitions and would look to go into their pivotal Champions League second leg against Monaco with a win over the Hammers.
Gabriel Paulista is out with a hamstring injury but Mathieu Flamini could be involved. Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta remain the confirmed absentees while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to be risked with Danny Welbeck’s fine performance against United earlier in the week.
Let’s take a look at the team Professor Arsene might pick to get the job done at the Emirates in this London Derby.
Goalkeeper – David Ospina
Ospina has earned the right to be the No. 1 at the club, albeit with a little help from the Szczesny’s smoking fiasco.
Defence – Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal.
No real reason to tinker with the back four. Bellerin was rattled a bit by the in-form Ashley Young but has looked bright all season. Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker pick themselves at the heart of the defence, while Nacho Monreal’s goal as well as overall display may land the Spaniard a run in the team.
Midfield – Coquelin, Cazorla, Welbeck, Özil, Sanchez.
Francis Coquelin has proved his critics wrong with a run of commanding performances in his holding role. Santi Cazorla offers more going forward from his midfield role than Arsenal’s first choice CMs. And with the passing and vision of Özil ahead, Arsenal look a real threat.
Danny Welbeck could be asked to play on the wings to make way for Olivier Giroud up front, while Alexis Sanchez will be licking his lips at the prospect of taking on a West Ham defence short of confidence.
Striker – Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud has to come back into the team for this one. While Welbeck’s pace and movement worked against United, Giroud’s power, physical presence and hold-up play should keep the West Ham center backs busy.
