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Walcott & Ramsey Start: The Arsenal XI That Should Face Newcastle

By on March 19, 2015

Time to put another Champions League heartache behind us and concentrate on the Premier League as we face a tricky trip to Newcastle on Saturday. This is the team I’d like to see Arsene Wenger go with….

Ospina hasn’t had too much to do in the last two games but he’s still well ahead of Szczesny in the race for the No.1 spot so he should keep his place again this weekend.

The defence has been far more solid since the disaster against Monaco at the Emirates three weeks ago and while I’d be tempted to play Gabriel for his pace at the back, I think it’s wise to stick with Per and Kos as they’ve both been excellent recently.

Bellerin put in another solid shift down the right on Tuesday and while Monreal also played well, I think Gibbs should come in at left-back just to keep them both fresh.

I was a little surprised Ramsey didn’t start at Monaco so I’d certainly like to see him named in the eleven for this weekend’s game. He may not be hitting the same heights as last season but he’s still an important member of the team and his goal threat is vital.

Cazorla looked a little leggy during the second half in France so I’d give him a rest with Coquelin obviously keeping his place in the holding role.

Ozil has been in excellent form of late and it’s no coincidence he’s been given more freedom in the middle of the park to roam about. We might need a slightly more disciplined performance from him on Saturday but there’s no way I’d leave him out right now.

There is a strong case to rest Sanchez but can we really afford to for such an important game? We desperately need to head into the international break off the back of a win and Alexis may not be on top form, but he’s always capable of producing a moment of magic.

One change I would make is to see Walcott come in for Welbeck. Theo’s struggling to get back into the side since returning from injury and while he’s not been looking too sharp in front of goal recently, the only way to get that killer touch back is by playing him.

So this is the side I’d go with:

What team would you play for the game?