So, with the Premier League title well out of reach for the Gunners, Arsene Wenger’s men travel to Wembley for a record 12th time under Arsène Wenger. Arsenal have won four FA Cup’s under Arsene Wenger and this is the chance to lift their 5th and after almost 9 years without liting any silverware.
Arsenal know that their opponents are no pushovers and having knocked out Manchester City at the Etihad, holders Wigan Athletic have got what it takes for causing another upset.
Having lost to Everton in the weekend and subsequently on the verge of losing their famed 4th place trophy, a win in the semi-final will not only ease the tension around the Emirates but will give them the much needed boost ahead of the final run of games in the league to safeguard their 4th place.
The London side cannot ill afford a failure on Saturday, one meaning hell will break free amongst Arsenal fans who are already calling for Wenger’s head in the last few weeks. So what would be Wenger’s strongest possible lineup against high flying Wigan?
We here at Soccersouls have the answers for our readers.
At the back, usual suspects Koscielny and Gibbs will miss most likely miss out meaning that Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen will be deputised again. Although Gibbs has a glimmer of hope to prove his fitness, Koscielny will definitely miss out. The likes of Sagna, Mertesacker and Szczesny will keep their places in the starting lineup.
Fortunately for Arsene Wenger, Ramsey returns to first team squad on time for the semi-final. Having made a substitute appearance against Everton, Arsenal’s Welsh wizard would finally be match fit to play the full ninety minutes. He along with Chamberlain were the only positives to take from the merseyside embarrassment.
While Mathieu Flamini is suspended for the clash after receiving his tenth booking of the season against Everton, Ramsey should take his place in the middle of pitch alongside Mikel Arteta. Though Arteta has been poor recently, for a big game like this, bringing in Kim Kallstrom ahead of him would be a major risk and it is likely that Wenger might stick with the Spaniard.
Elsewhere Abou Diaby who is back in training, will likely not be available for the game and so is Mesut Ozil who should start training with the first team this week.
Expect Cazorla to start in the number 10 role and Rosicky alongside him. It would be interesting to see if Wenger continues to use Podolski ahead of Chamberlain who was brilliant when he came on against Everton. Rosicky on the left, Ox on the right and Cazorla in the middle might turn out to be a good attacking threat for the Championship side.
Upfront it should be either of Giroud or Sanogo. Both the strikers have been below par this season and it really doesn’t make any difference who starts.
Will this be the strongest Arsenal lineup to face Wigan? Let us know what in the comments section below.
Watch Arsenal’s road to Wembley here and the kit they will be wearing for the game