With the mood in Arsenal definitely changing for the better with 3 wins on the bounce and the return of Theo Walcott from a long term injury lay off, Arsene Wenger will be hoping that his side will see off a feisty Anderlecht side at the Emirates to guarantee qualification to the next round of Champions League. While the return leg at Anderlecht was anything but comfortable for this Arsenal side, most people are expecting a much easier ride for the North London club this time around. Here at Soccersouls, we give our predicted Arsenal lineup for the match against Anderlecht.
Goalkeeper:
Wojciech Szczesny
With the Pole having served out his 1 match suspension following his red card against Galatasaray in the return leg against Anderlecht, Wojciech Szczesny will be free to lineup against Anderlecht at the Emirates.
Defenders:
Hector Bellerin, Calum Chambers, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal
The defensive state at Arsenal is definitely at a red alert status as Arsene Wenger simply cannot afford any more injuries until the transfer window opens. Although Kieran Gibbs was fit enough to play the match against Burnley in the weekend, given the Englishman’s injury prone history perhaps the wisest course of action will be to give him a rest for this Champions League encounter with Anderlecht. That will mean that Hector Bellerin will get another run in at right back with Nacho Monreal reverting back to his favourite left back slot. Calum Chambers and Per Mertesacker will pair up at the centre of defence for this match.
Midfielders:
Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Lukas Podolski
We expect that there will be some changes in the midfield as Arsene Wenger cannot expect the same players to do the job again and again. With the French manager ruling out Jack Wilshere, we expect Aaron Ramsey to start at the tip of the midfield for this one. Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini will be expected to start once again as the double pivot for this match. The one big decision that we are anticipating is that Alexis Sanchez will be rested for this one. He is the workhorse who is absolutely dragging Arsenal towards the points every game and Arsene Wenger knows that he is the one player he cannot afford to lose to an injury. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain to take his place on the right. Also we expect Santi Cazorla to be rested given his shocking form of late which will give Lukas Podolski some much needed time in the pitch.
Forward:
Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck is set to continue and with him being subbed off for the last few minutes in the game against Burnley expect him to give it his all in this one.