Arsenal will be looking to take their winning streak to Europe, when they travel to France for the Champions League opening game against Marseille.
Arsene Wenger talking to the press ahead of the game has said that he feels Arsenal’s victory at Bayern Munich last season has given them the confidence to believe they can win anywhere away from home.
However, considering Arsenal’s “group of death” this will be their best chance to secure three points away from home as they will have to face an in form Napoli and last year’s finalists Borussia Dortmund.
Here is the side Arsene Wenger could choose to start his Champions League quest with.
Szczesny
Although Arsenal have landed Emiliano Viviano on the deadline day, Szczesny will still be preferred as the Polish has the experience of playing in this competition and considering the fact that this is rather their best chance of securing 3 points, Wenger would want to avoid any experiments.
Sagna
Sagna offers strength at right back and while he doesn’t offer a massive threat going forward, he does the basics in his defensive role very well. He will be vital if Marseille look to counter attack Arsenal in wide areas.
Mertesacker
The German International who missed Sunderland’s game due to illness should be fit to play and there are no real questions about that place.
Koscielny
Although Vermaelen is back and fit to start, Wenger would likely use him as a second half substitute rather than pushing him into the first team. Wenger when asked about Vermaelen said: ” It is fantastic to have him back, as a character and a player. Everyone is happy that he is back. He has gone through a difficult period but he is a great player, and will show that now that he is completely fit and available.”
Gibbs
There’s a slight concern about Nacho Monreal’s first team involvement as a regular but when it comes to Europe, Wenger might just go with the England International. And again, much like his defensive colleague Monreal might be used in the final third of the game.
Ramsey
Expect to see Ramsey doing his usual job in the Arsenal midfield. The boy just cannot do anything wrong at the moment and he has used the absence of Arteta to the maximum.
Wilshere
Wilshere is currently nowhere playing to his potential. The England International has to be buckle it up and put in a string of good performances if he has to save his place when Arteta and Cazorla come back.
Flamini
An unlikely candidate in the Arsenal starting line-up when the season started but Flamini has turned out to be a rather important part of Arsenal’s midfield which was on full display at the Stadium of lights and you can certainly expect a couple of odd tackles from him today.
Ozil
It’s harsh on Ozil who has been asked to play down the flanks in the absence of Podolski and Cazorla but the midfielder surely can play to his maximum potential anywhere in the final third and he will likely build on his excellent debut for the Gunners.
Giroud
The main striker, the most effective Arsenal attacker, Giroud will likely start the game despite his early injury concerns.
Walcott
Not the best of starts for last season’s top scorer. Walcott is yet to fire for the Gunners this season, but with Ox and Podlski out injured expect the England International to continue running down the right flank.