Predicted Arsenal Line-Up To Play Against Sunderland: Koscielny, Arteta & Ramsey Set To Start

With just one victory in their last 7 matches, Arsenal has got off to a start that they would not really be proud of. Even with issues of injuries Arsenal would be disappointed that they have not got off to a good start and have only themselves to blame. Only once in the eight matches played have they managed to keep a clean-sheet and that clearly indicates where their main problem has been in.

Arsenal was expected to easily cruise through the favorable set of fixtures starting last week against Hull City, but surprisingly, it took a last gasp effort to fetch a draw. Even against Anderlecht in the Champions League tie on Wednesday, Arsenal was rather unimpressive. As they role up to the Stadium Of Light on Saturday to face a humiliated Sunderland side that lost 8-0 to Southampton, Arsene Wenger and his boys would be hoping for a turnaround.

We take a look at the likely starting lineup that would face Sunderland

GOALKEEPER:

WOJCIECH SZCZESNY

Having missed the midweek Champions League match against Anderlecht due to suspension, the Polish shot-stopper is expected to return to the line-up on Saturday. Szczesny has been in good form this season and as the Arsenal defence still struggles to find its rhythm, Szczesny’s several timely saves have made sure that they are not extremely embarrassed. With fellow goalkeeper David Ospina out injured for almost 3 months, Szczesny just cannot afford to slip up now.

DEFENCE:

CALUM CHAMBERS, PER MERTASACKER, LAURENT KOSCIELNY, KIERAN GIBBS

Wenger would expect to see Laurent Koscielny fit in time for the match after he missed last week’s fixture against Hull and on Wednesday against Anderlecht. The Frenchman’s return would see Nacho Monreal make way and Koscielny’s arrival would give Arsenal some much needed stability at the back.

Per Mertasacker would continue alongside Koscielny at the heart of the defence. Mertasacker has looked really sloppy and slow this season- he was at fault both the times Hull scored against Arsenal last week- and would be hoping to turn things around.

Mathieu Debuchy’s prolonged absence would mean Calum Chambers would continue at right-back, while Kieran Gibbs looks set to keep his place at left-back. The pair combined to produce Arsenal’s first goal against Anderlecht and would be hoping to continue their good display at both ends of the ground.

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MIDFIELD:

MIKEL ARTETA, ALEX-OXLADE CHAMBERLAIN, JACK WILSHERE, AARON RAMSEY, ALEXIS SANCHEZ

Mikel Arteta is likely to return to the holding midfielder role after having managed to make the bench in each of Arsenal’s two previous matches. Arteta’s return would see Mathieu Flamini make way.

As Santi Cazorla have played the entire 180 minutes across the last two fixtures, Wenger is likely to go with Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere as the two central attacking midfielders in the 4-1-4-1. But if Wenger decides to be careful with Wilshere as he had suffered a knee injury against Hull, Cazorla would be forced back into the line-up, thus changing the formation to a 4-2-3-1 with Ramsey moved to the double-pivot alongside Arteta.

Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain is finally getting the playing time he deserves and has delivered as well. After making an appearance off the bench during midweek, Chamberlain is likely to feature against Sunderland at the right of midfield.

Alexis Sanchez has been Arsenal’s brightest spot in most their recent games. Ever since he has arrived at the Emirates Stadium, Chile’s World Cup hero has proved to be an absolute menace to opposition defences with his speed and positioning and has justified his hefty price tag. With Chamberlain on the right, Sanchez would have to move to the left of midfield but that would likely not be an issue for the talented Chilean.

FORWARD:

DANNY WELBECK

The ex-United man is likely to keep his place upfront, even as Lukas Podolski stated his claim with a late winner in midweek. Welbeck has looked impressive after moving to Arsenal but has also been a touch wasteful and really needs to work on his finishing. Having scored twice so far in his 7 starts for Arsenal, Welbeck would be hoping to find the net again against a Sunderland side which is only recovering from the 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton last week.