Football Update: Probable Starting Eleven of Gunners against WBA
After an eventful week in which Arsenal defeated arch rivals Tottenham 4-1 in a nail biting clash in the Carling Cup. Arsenal was also succumbed to a 1-1 draw in the dyeing seconds against Sunderland last weekend. The Gunners now face the daunting task of
West Bromwich Albion at home on Saturday.
Arsenal is in formidable form despite their recent Barclays English Premier League stalemate and will look to endure that trend against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion.
Arsene Wenger and his young fringe squad are unbeaten in the Premier League and sit in second, four points behind leaders Chelsea with Manchester United in third breathing down the Gunners neck.
Due to the midweek League Cup crucial fixture with rivals Tottenham Hotspurs, several vital players were rested and should return to the starting line-up.
Moreover, many vital players of Arsene Wenger’s squad are sidelined for sustaining injuries. Arsenal young skipper, Cesc Fabregas is injured and will not play for two to three weeks. Robin van Persie, Aaron Ramsey, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott are all
sidelined.
Despite such big names not featuring for the Gunners on weekend, here is the possible starting 11 for Arsenal.
Goalkeeper
Manuel Almunia will again take charge in between the bars. His deputy Lukasz Fabianski featured in the midweek fixture against Tottenham in the Carling Cup. The young keeper continued another disappointing performance.
The Polish shot stopper is in desperate need of gaining some first team experience; Fabianski should be loaned out as he currently looks incapable of even playing in Carling Cup.
Moreover, Manuel Almunia has been in very outstanding form. Hopefully he will not be in much action during the game against West Bromwich Albion. It is highly expected from the Spanish goal-keeper to maintain a clean sheet.
Defenders
Gunners will be severely boosted by the return of their veteran defender Thomas Vermaelen from injury.
The Belgium centre half was suffering from an Achilles problem and was out of action for almost three weeks. The talented centre back is expected to return for the clash against the Baggies. Vermaelen should start in a left central role and lead the back
line.
Emmanuel Eboue performed for 120 minutes in the midweek fixture. However, Bacary Sagna is expected to feature as a right back on the weekend and Eboue would be on bench.
The new Gunner, Sebastien Squillaci should replace the very inform and talented Laurent Koscienly, who also played strongly in the Carling Cup against Tottenham Hotspurs.
Gael Clichy should play as a left back. Clichy’s impact substitution Kieran Gibbs picked up a foot injury during midweek clash against Spurs and is expected to be sidelined for up to a month.
Midfielders
Skipper Cesc Fabregas will miss the weekend fixture due to a hamstring injury. The Spanish midfielder is expected to return against Chelsea next week. Abou Diaby is also expected to start for the Gunners. Diaby sustained an ankle injury two weeks ago.
Man of the Match performance in the midweek should earn Jack Wilshere a place in the midfield of starting eleven.
Thomas Rosicky is also expected to feature on this weekend and should be given attacking role.
Forwards
The Russian skipper Andrei Arshavin scored a fabulous goal in the midweek which sealed the game for the Gunners. Arshavin should continue on the left side of the attack.
Marouane Chamakh will surely return too, as the main striker. The Moroccan has been very impressive as a sole striker. Over the past games, Chamakh has been outstanding for the Gunners since start of the season.
Samir Nasri is also expected to start on the right side of the attack. The young French man scored twice in the Carling Cup, both from penalties.
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