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Koscielny & Monreal Out: The Arsenal XI That Must Start v Olympiakos

By on September 28, 2015

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Arsenal need to get their Champions League campaign back on track after a shock loss at Zagreb when we take on Olympiakos at the Emirates tomorrow night. This is the starting eleven I think Arsene Wenger should pick.

Goalkeeper: Cech

I’ve seen some suggesting Ospina should start with Cech rested ahead of the Man Utd game but I disagree. We shouldn’t discount the Champions League so easily, so Cech should start.

Defence: Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs.

Bellerin simply has to start again as Debuchy was well off the pace against Tottenham last week. Monreal has established himself as Arsene’s first choice left-back but I’d like to see Gibbs given another run-out.

Gabriel is available again after serving his one-match domestic ban so I’d start him alongside Mertesacker and give Koscielny a breather.

Midfield: Ramsey, Cazorla

Coquelin is back in training after missing our last two games with a knee injury but I wouldn’t risk him. There’s no point rushing him back too soon, especially with the Man Utd game coming up next.

The problem is, Arteta and Flamini have both been ruled out with minor muscle injuries so we have a problem in the holding role [who would have predicted that?!].  My personal choice would be to play Ramsey alongside Cazorla as I hate him out on the right.

Attack: Walcott, Ozil, The Ox, Sanchez

Giroud is suspended and Welbeck is injured so Walcott is going to have to lead the line once again. It might have been useful to rest him ahead of United but we have few options up top.

Ozil and Sanchez should keep their places obviously while I’d start The Ox on the right wing.

This is how I’d line-up but in reality, Arsene will probably risk Coquelin in the middle of the park. The boss seemed to suggest at his press conference this morning those who played in the last two games will get a rest but I hope he doesn’t make too many changes.