Arsenal v Everton
Premier League
Goodison Park
Kick off: August 23, 2014 5:30 PM BST
Arsenal face a difficult task on Saturday, Everton away is never an easy match and after two patchy performances from Arsene Wenger’s men it’s time to turn it up a few notches.
Mikel Arteta has been ruled out of the tie after he suffered an ankle injury against Besiktas, while Kieran Gibbs is another absentee. The most exciting team news for the Gunners is the return of the Germans.
Per Mertesacker will slot straight into centre back alongside Laurent Koscielny, which is fought on Calum Chambers who has been excellent in the BFG’s absence but he will inevitably drop to the bench. Business as usual for Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal as the full backs. Pressure is on for the Spaniard to provide a big performance after he was destroyed by Romelu Lukaku last season.
The main question mark remains over who replaces Arteta in midfield. The natural and most likely replacement is Mathieu Flamini, however Jack Wilshere is another contender alongside Aaron Ramsey. Unfortunately the two Brits have failed to click when fielded together so far, but there is still hope in the future perhaps they can become a balanced partnership. Flamini gets our nod, he will add some much needed aggression and steel to our engine room.
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Mesut Ozil should slot straight into his No10 role which means Wenger will have to decide between Wilshere and Santi Cazorla. Both haven’t been brilliant, but the Spaniard is the more natural left winger. Alexis Sanchez should start on the right with Olivier Giroud spearheading the attack. Would like to see The Ox on the wing and Alexis up top, but can’t see Wenger going for that just yet while the Chilean is still getting to know his new teammates.
Here is our predicted lineup:
Predicted Lineup
Szczesny
Debuchy Mertesacker (c) Koscielny Monreal
Ramsey Flamini
Ozil
Alexis Cazorla
Giroud
What are your thoughts and ideas? What is your preferred lineup? Comment below..
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