Quantcast
Home   >   Opinions   >   Cazorla Out, Walcott Starts: My Arsenal Starting XI To Face QPR

Cazorla Out, Walcott Starts: My Arsenal Starting XI To Face QPR

By on March 3, 2015
Francis Coquelin-Arsenal

Image: Express

Arsenal will look to build on the win over Everton when we take on Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Wednesday night. This is the eleven I’d like to see start the game.

I’ve been asking for Szczesny to be recalled in recent weeks but fair play to Ospina, he produced an excellent performance against the Toffees on Sunday so deserves to keep his place in goal.

Gabriel recovered from a shaky start to put in an encouraging display on his league debut and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who felt that little bit more secure at the back knowing we had two central defenders who can turn quicker than a tug boat, so I think Mertesacker should remain on the bench and see how the Gabriel-Koscielny partnership develops.

I’d stick with Bellerin and Gibbs in the full-back positions but wouldn’t be surprised if Arsene decides to make changes with Chambers and Monreal pushing for recalls.

The boss confirmed that Coquelin should be available despite breaking his nose at the weekend. With Flamini, Wilshere and Arteta all still out, I think it’s important Coquelin starts.

Ramsey is back in contention and I’d bring him straight back into the side. We haven’t looked balanced in the centre of the park recently and the Welshman’s return should resolve that.

I’d actually revert to Coq and Rambo sitting deeper with Mesut Ozil playing in a free role behind Giroud. Ozil needs that freedom and having both Ramsey and Coquelin sitting a bit further back allows him that time and space to make things happen.

On the wings I’d be tempted to rest Sanchez but think with him going through something of a slump, it’s probably best to play him through it.

Theo’s been unfortunate not to get more game-time recently so I’d give him a start ahead of Welbeck and Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Here’s my line-up:

In reality, I’d expect at least one of Chambers or Monreal to start while I think Walcott will once again be consigned to the bench with Welbeck probably starting on the right.

Either way, we should have enough to beat QPR and maintain our place in the top three of the table.

COYG!!

2 Comments