Bettor.com’s Predication of Arsenal’s starting eleven against Shakhtar Dontesk
Ukrainian Giants, Shakhtar Dontesk will welcome their counterparts, Arsenal, for a UEFA Champions league match tonight. Shakhtar would be aiming to end Gunners unbeaten run in Champions League. Arsenal has won last three matches
of Champions League in which they scored 14 goals and broke the record of Real Madrid.
Moreover, a win for Shakhtar Dontesk would ensure their place in the next round of Champions League. Arsenal has already thrashed all three sides in Group H and is leading the table at the moment.
While on the other hand, Shakhtar Dontesk is currently on the second spot just three points behind Gunners. Shakhtar Dontesk has also beaten the two sides of Group H. The Ukrainian Lords have a slight advantage over the English
giants as the match is being played at their home.
However, Arsene Wenger and his young army would hope to continue their unbeaten European Campaign when they will face Shakhtar. This is the eleventh consecutive time Arsenal has qualified for the round of 16 in UEFA Champions League.
Though, there are many chances of these two clubs progressing to the Round of 16 of UEFA Champions League from Group H they will certainly have to work for it as slacking even a bit could leave them with devastation.
Nonetheless here is the Bettor.com’s prediction of starting eleven of Arsenal against Shakhtar Dontesk.
Goalkeeper:
As always questions remain over the first choice goalkeeper of Arsenal however this time it is a straightforward story; Lukasz Fabianski would surely start for Arsenal between the posts, as his senior is suffering from an elbow
injury.
The Polish shot stopper has taken his chances quite well and has performed extraordinarily with no major mistakes. He has already established himself as the number one goalkeeper at the Emirates and might just replace Almunia.
Deputizing Fabianski would be undoubtedly Arsenal's Boom youngster, Wojciech Szczensy, but the young gun, who impressed last week in the League Cup has voiced his frustration at lack of first team experience which could prompt
‘the Professor’ to utilize the 20-year-old.
Defenders:
The Gunners’ defensive ranks have been ruthlessly devastated by injuries with Arsenal’s talented young left-back with Kieran Gibbs being side-lined due to an injury suffered during Carling Cup match against Newcastle United. Along
with that, Gunners’ defensive leader, Thomas Vermaelen is suffering from Achilles tendon strain since last month and would not play against Shakhtar Dontesk.
As usual, Arsenal veteran left-back, Gael Clichy would start on the left flank of defence along with Bacary Sagna, who would feature on the right side. While in the heart of defence, Johan Djourou would partner Laurent Koscielny.
Midfielders:
Arsenal talismanic skipper is set to miss the second leg of Arsenal vs. Shakhtar Dontesk with a niggling hamstring injury. Thomas Rosicky will replace Cesc Fabregas as the right attacking midfielder.
Along with that, Arsenal young sensation, Jack Wilshere is expected to be blooded straight into the Gunners midfield. He will take place of Denilson who also sustained an injury last week against West Ham United.
Moreover, Craig Eastmond is likely to start against Shakhtar Dontesk in place of Alex Song, who is suffering from a calf injury.
Forwards:
Arsenal star striker, Robin Van Persie is still out of action and would not travel to Ukrainian Capital.
However, Arsenal another young striker, Nicklas Bendtner has made a remarkable start to this season after returning from his injury. He has scored three goals in four matches and is likely to start as centre forward for the Gunners.
Theo Walcott would feature on the right side of the wing and Samir Nasri will lead the attack from the left side.
So, it will be an enticing clash for the Gunners, one which would certainly test their worth and fitness. A win for Shakhtar Dontesk will seal their confirmation into the Round of 16 in Champions League whilst a loss will see
them drop to second place.
Tags: