Arsenal will host Swansea City this weekend after two back-to-back away games in the Premier League, both ending in draws. The Gunners are unbeaten in the last 4 games, but have failed to win their last two.
Currently in 7th position, Arsenal badly need a win and need to find their rhythm before the month ends in order to close the gap on the top. However, they’ll be wary of Swansea, who are fresh from an impressive victory against 4th
place West Bromwich Albion.
With both teams playing their own brand of attacking ad quick pass-and-move football, the game is expected to be an end-to-end affair and a feast for the neutral eye.
Arsenal
Expected starting line-up:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lukas-Podolski-c22896, Olivier Giroud.
Arsenal are without http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thomas-Vermaelen-c35002 will move back to his favoured centre-back position and Kieran Gibbs will slot in at left-back, making his second start after
his return from injury.
Bacary Sagna and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Per-Mertesacker-c29680 will form the right-hand side of the defence, with both players giving Arsenal much needed composure and discipline at the back.
In the centre, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mikel-Arteta-c25715 starts as usual in the holding midfield role. The Spaniard has really made that position his own, and has returned to his usual best ever since a poor performance in the 3-3 draw against Fulham earlier this month.
Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla will play in front of Arteta, and will be hoping to continue their excellent partnership. Up front, Arsenal will start Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski on the wings. The German had been rested for the Everton game, but will
return against Swansea. Arsene Wenger will be hoping his summer signing can put in a hard working performance and continue scoring.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019, will be looking to
score and continue his recent performances.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 with good attacking options in case they need them.
Swansea City
Expected starting line-up:
Gerhard Tremmel, Chico Flores, Ashley Williams, Angel Rangel, Ben Davies, Leon Britton, Pablo Hernandez, Nathan Dyer, Ki Sung-Yueng, Michu, Wayne Routledge.
Swansea are expected to play the same team that won against West Brom during mid-week. The Swans had last season managed a double over the Baggies in the league, and despite West Brom’s recent winning run, they secured a very comfortable win over them.
The back four remains the same, with Ashley Williams captaining the side. The midfield and attack are also unchanged, and are Swansea’s main strength. The club has been playing impressive football under http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-c25261 Laudrup, and with new signings Michu and Pablo
Hernandez settling in, they are strong favourites for a top 6 finish.
Michu will start in the striker role, with Routledge and Pablo on the wings. Arsenal will be wary of the threat the front three pose, and might be in for a difficult encounter.
Final Score: 2-1
Arsenal have found it difficult to score in recent games, but will look to take advantage of their home form. I expect the Gunners to manage a 2-1 win, with Walcott and Podolski on the score sheet and Michu grabbing a goal for the visitors.
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