Despite a vast number of players walking treatment rooms at the Emirates, Arsene Wenger knows that a result is of paramount importance in a bid to stay in touch with the league leaders. Arsenal welcome Hull City this weekend looking to put the embarrassing 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge well and truly behind them as they look to come to grips with the shocking news of star man Mesut Ozil’s long injury layoff. For much of the game against Chelsea, Arsenal looked like the same old Arsenal who have often flattered to deceive on the big occasion, neat yet indecisive, lively yet barely adventurous, maybe a touch too ‘soft’ for a Jose Mourinho managed Chelsea side who just know how to get the job done.
Amidst the selection headaches awaiting Arsene Wenger, more out of injuries and suspensions than squad depth, let’s put ourselves in the gaffer’s position and pick his team for the visit of Steve Bruce’s side.
Goalkeeper
Wozceich Szczesny
The Pole is well and truly the No.1 choice at the Emirates, despite David Ospina featuring in the Capital One Cup.
Defence
Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs.
Mathieu Debuchy has damaged ligaments on his ankle while the former Southampton man Calum Chambers is suspended, which could open up an opportunity for Hector Bellerin’s first league start, having featured in the League Cup earlier this season. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were expected to retain their places from the horror show at Stamford Bridge and continue a partnership that proved to be a bedrock for Arsenal’s climb to the top for a brief spell last season.
However, Koscielny withdrew from the French squad while on International duty and is a major doubt for this weekend leaving Wenger with no choice but to start left back Nacho Monreal at centreback. Kieran Gibbs has established himself as the front runner for the left back position, thanks to his own sprightly performances and Nacho Monreal’s horrors in the Arsenal shirt. The England full back would look to push on this season to stake his claim for an England call up.
Midfield
Flamini, Wilshere, Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla.
While Mikel Arteta continues to nurse an injury, Mathieu Flamini is all set to continue his run in the team. Flamini offers a non-nonsense approach in the middle of the park, and his busy nature on and off the ball makes him an asset in the Arsenal system, which has cried out loud for a defensive midfielder for some time now.
Jack Wilshere was the pick of the Arsenal players couple of weeks back at Stamford Bridge, and looked like the one most capable of opening up the Chelsea backline. He will look to carry on his bright form having impressed for England against San Marino and Estonia.
Alexis Sanchez has struggled to back up his performances with the numbers, but Sanchez’s tireless workrate and running ability and his desire to get himself into goalscoring positions and linkup with teammates makes him an invaluable asset in the present Arsenal side, particularly one without Mesut Oezil.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has got the knack of dropping deep, receiving possession and running at defences with pace, something Mesut Ozil simply fails to provide. Could the former Southampton wonderkid be the key to an Arsenal revival this season?
Santi Cazorla can combine the best of both worlds. Has the technical ability to pick a pass and play those short triangles, likewise, the Spaniard can run the channels and put in sumptuous crosses to keep the likes of Welbeck interested.
Striker
Danny Welbeck has had a topsy-turvy start to life at the Emirates, and while the Mancunian has shown an eye for goal, the link up play against Chelsea left a lot to be desired. But the former Manchester United player has the pace to stretch an ageing 3-man Hull backline. Can he step up with the goals when Arsenal need him the most?