[Predicted lineup] Barcelona v Arsenal – Welbeck starts & Koscielny returns

Few are giving us much chance of beating Barcelona, and rightfully so the way we’re playing at the moment. After crashing out of the FA Cup there’s really nothing to lose though, so Arsene Wenger might as well name his strongest possible lineup.

Here’s how we think Arsenal will line up on Wednesday:

GK) David Ospina

Petr Cech is still facing a little longer on the sidelines (via Arsenal.com), so for the moment we must continue to rely on the Colombian.

RB) Hector Bellerin

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The Spaniard has been rested recently, but should return to the side for our clash with his former side. Calum Chambers initially impressed against Watford, but his defensive frailties really cost us in the second half.

LB) Nacho Monreal

His compatriot has also been rested over the last couple of weeks, although in Monreal’s case it’s been enforced rest. He was on the bench against Watford, so should hopefully be fit to start against Barcelona.

CB) Laurent Koscielny

Another player who has been out injured recently, but should return to the side for our clash with Barcelona (via Sky Sports).

CB) Per Mertesacker

Gabriel Paulista has been poor recently, and deserves to be dropped. He’s arguably lucky not to be facing a ban for his challenge on Troy Deeney (which obviously wouldn’t have applied to this game anyway), but regardless, Per Mertesacker seems likely to start ahead of the Brazilian.

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