Arsenal will be without the services of star midfielder Aaron Ramsey as they head into their £25 million match against Besiktas on Wednesday night. Ramsey has been in scintillating form so far this season having netted in the Community Shield as well as in consecutive league games against Crystal Palace and Everton, but a late sending off in the first leg will see the Welsh midfielder sit out this crunch match-up.
Arsene Wenger will be hoping his side can overcome the rigours of the congested fixture list which saw them travel to Goodison Park on Saturday and ensure their progress to the Champions League group stage for the 18th consecutive season. And, despite a handful of injuries to keep Arsene Wenger concerned, Arsenal are the clear favourites to progress in a match which has £25 million and the chance to play in Europe’s most elite club competition at stake.
Let’s take a look at the possible Arsenal XI to take the field tonight.
GK and Defence:
Wozceich Szczesny is the undisputed choice in goal at the moment as David Ospina is still out. The Columbian should be back in training in a week. Kieran Gibbs continues his spell on the sidelines as Nacho Monreal gets a run of games and should start yet again on Wednesday. Laurent Koscielny is still struggling with an Achilles problem, which means that Calum Chambers and Per Mertesacker could renew their partnership from Saturday evening at Goodison. Mathieu Debuchy will continue as right back.
Midfield:
Mikel Arteta picked up an injury in the first leg and is only expected to return at the turn of the month, so Mathieu Flamini should continue in midfield. However, Aaron Ramsey’s suspension could mean an opportunity for spaniard Santi Cazorla, who impressed after coming on as a substitute on Saturday as he set up Aaron Ramsey’s goal. Moreover, Mesut Ozil will be pleased to return to his favourite position behind the striker as he looked out of his depth on the left wing on Saturday.
Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are likely to retain their places from the Everton game. Wilhere will play alongside Flamini in the holding role behind Ozil, while the Ox is set to don the right flank.
Attack:
Alexis Sanchez had a quiet afternoon against the Toffees but it is in Olivier Giroud’s absence, with a foot injury, that Wenger would be hoping his £35 million record signing steps up to the plate. Yaya Sanogo also returned to training on Tuesday, but is unlikely to get the nod over the Chilean, while Joel Campbell and Lukas Podolski, who now will stay on at the club as Wenger confirmed, provide options from the bench.
