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Koscielny out, Gabriel starts: My starting XI to face Sunderland

By mac14 on December 3, 2015

It’s time to get our title challenge back on track when Arsenal entertain Sunderland on Saturday afternoon. This is the side I’d select for the game.

Goalkeeper: Cech

Petr Cech should start in goal, obviously.

Defence: Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal

Arsene has confirmed that Koscielny will face a late fitness test after being forced off against Norwich last week with a hip injury. However, I don’t think we should take any chances with the Frenchman so Gabriel should start alongside Mertesacker.

Otherwise we should stick with our first choice defence meaning Bellerin and Monreal should retain their places.

Midfield: Flamini, Ramsey

Our midfield options have been further decimated with the news that Cazorla is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury so he joins Coquelin, Arteta and Wilshere on the treatment table.

Therefore, we have little option but to start Flamini in the holding role for the foreseeable future. The only good news is that Ramsey is back and he can now play in his preferred central position.

Attack: Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Campbell

Sanchez is another player who’s now out injured with the Chilean facing three weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem so Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to start on the left wing.

Walcott could be back in the squad but I wouldn’t risk him from the start so Campbell will continue on the right with Ozil once again in the No.10 role.

Striker: Giroud

With Walcott not 100% fit and Welbeck still unavailable the boss has little option but to stick with Giroud up front.

This would be my line-up: