Arsenal will look to get back to winning ways after a 3-2 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday when the Gunners welcome relegation-threatened Swansea City to London on Wednesday night. Wenger’s team is in third position and are five points behind the league leaders Leicester City. A 2-1 victory over Leicester on February 14 put Arsenal back in the title contention, but they are now winless in their last three matches, which is a run that stretches across three competitions. This match becomes even more important when considering that Arsenal will be up against their biggest rivals in Tottenham on Saturday.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
The veteran keeper will be disappointed to have let in three goals on Sunday but he wasn’t at fault for either of the three. He is the reason many still believe that Arsenal have a chance to win their first Premier League trophy in 12 years. If fit, Wenger is always going to go with the former Chelsea man.
Defenders: Nacho Monreal, Hector Bellerin, Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
Wenger made changes to the back four against United by bringing in Gabriel Paulista to Koscielny in the centre but he is likely to return to his tried and tested centre back pairing of Mertesacker and Koscielny. Bellerin and Monreal will be the two full backs and will cover the right and left flank respectively. Both these players have been in tremendous form this season and have become a vital part of the teams plan.
Midfielders: Elneny, Coquelin, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Welbeck
I feel that Wenger is likely to rest Aaron Ramsey for this one and in place start with the new signing Elneny. It will be the first start for Elneny in Premier League, and given his much-awaited January transfer, Arsenal fans will keep a close eye on how he performs. He will partner Coquelin in the central midfield. Ozil who notched up his 18th assist of the season on Sunday, will be looking to continue with his good form come Wednesday. Walcott was highly disappointing against United and is likely to be rested for this one, which means Welback might be shifted on the flanks next to Giroud. Sanchez will start on the other side of the French striker.
Striker: Olivier Giroud
The Frenchman started on the bench against United but is likely to be restored to the starting XI for the match against Swansea. He has been a little off colour since the new year but still has the potential to cause trouble to the oppositions defence.