Arsenal travel to Turkey to face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, the game is nothing more than a meaningless tie for the Gunners since they have already qualified from the group and will be runners up since they cannot overhaul Borussia Dortmund.
The Gunners had a pretty difficult weekend when a first half blitzkrieg by Stoke City helped the home team race to a 3-0 lead before Arsenal came back with 2 goals, the recovery was halted when Arsenal were reduced to 10 men. The loss to Stoke yet again showed the defensive issues that Arsenal have been plagued all season and put Arsene Wenger in some trouble with the fans since he has not really provided much cover for a soft defence, something that Arsene conceded about the team.
Olivier Giroud would not be available in the final Champions League group game since Arsenal did not register him for the group stages, here is a predicted line up to take on the Turkish giants.
Emiliano Martinez
The Argentinian goalkeeper should keep his place even though he had a shocking day at the Britannia stadium, with Arsenal’s other two keepers still recovering, the Argentine should be allowed to play the game and gain some confidence.
Kieran Gibbs
The left back played the entire game and could end up playing at Galatasaray as well since Nacho Monreal is a major doubt for the game. Arsene would want to rest up the Englishman but with so many issues in defence, he could play Gibbs.
Calum Chambers
Chambers was sent off for 2 yellows against Stoke and should continue his position as the centre back in this Arsenal team, he is still learning about the role and this would be a perfect game for him to hone his skills in an intimidating atmosphere.
Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman was on the bench against Stoke City and should get the nod ahead of his partner Per Mertersacker, Kos should be rested well enough to play the game and maybe form a better partnership with Chambers.
Hector Bellerin
The Spanish right back should play against the Turkish team; he played against Stoke City and should keep his place in the absence of Debuchy. Bellerin played in the 2-0 loss against Dortmund and could notch up his second Champions League cap of the season.
Mathieu Flamini
In the absense of Arteta, it should be the Frenchman taking the field along side Aaron Ramsey. Although not very effective recently, Arsene Wenger doesn’t have much freedom when it comes to defensive midfielders.
Aaron Ramsey
The Welsh midfielder played the full 90 against Stoke but with so many injuries he could be forced to suit up for Arsenal in this fixture as well.
Santi Cazorla
The diminutive Spaniard has started to get back to his usual best with the run of continuous starts in the middle of the park, thanks to Ozil’s long term injury. Cazorla has to be on his best display if the Gunners are to hold onto the ball and frustrate the home side on Tuesday night.
Alexis Sanchez
He desperately needs a break at the moment. But it is likely that the Chilean will continue to be featured as Arsenal’s attacking credibility will look bleak without him in the lineup.
Lukas Podolski
The German could be on his way out of the club in the January transfer window and this could be his chance to prove that he still is a good enough player to play at the top level. He came on in the second half against Stoke and could start this time around.
Yaya Sanogo
Another striker who needs to play more for the club, Sanogo hasn’t really shone brilliantly since he has come in but with more game time in his belt, it would help Sanogo grow at the club.
