Arsene Wenger takes the team to Zagreb for the first time since 2006 as we look to start our Champions League campaign in convincing fashion.
We lost our first game in the group stages last season against Borussia Dortmund and given that we’re now in a group with their Bundesliga counterparts Bayern Munich, we can’t afford to drop points in games we’re expected to win.
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Here is the XI we hope Wenger goes with against the Croatian giants.
GK) Petr Cech
After a shaky start, Cech has allayed fears of potential rustiness and continues to produce high-calibre displays. Having won this competition before as well as playing in multiple semi-finals, his experience will be vital.
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RB) Mathieu Debuchy
Wenger confirmed that Hector Bellerin was rested and left in London ahead of a crucial clash against Chelsea (via Daily Mail). Debuchy is, therefore, a natural replacement and has a chance to stake a future claim.
CB) Gabriel
With Mertesacker only just returning to training, coupled with his car accident scare (via The Evening Standard), we expect Gabriel to keep his place alongside Gabriel with the Brazilian yet to lose in an Arsenal shirt.
CB) Laurent Koscielny
Koscielny continues to prove his status as one of Europe’s top centre backs and having recently turned 30, he is entering the peak years of his career.
LB) Nacho Monreal
Arguably our best player this calendar year, Monreal has become an efficient and reliable component in our back four.
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