Arsenal travel to Monaco ahead of a tough tie that must see them score at least three times to be in with a chance. With that in mind, we’ve selected our best attacking lineup that can do the job.
There’s a few options available to Arsene Wenger especially in central midfield and in the wide areas, we certainly have the tools to do the job but it will require an outstanding performance from everyone involved.
One thing is for certain – we cannot afford to be ripped apart on counter attacks again. Hopefully our defenders have learned their lesson and we can see a performance reminiscent of our previous Champions League second leg encounters with the likes of Bayern Munich and AC Milan in recent years.
Lets start in goal. David Ospina gets the nod between the sticks no question with Wenger seemingly lost faith in Wojciech Szczesny for the time being.
Rested against West Ham United, young Hector Bellerin starts on the right of the defence and will be eager to get at the Monaco back line. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny will start in the heart of the defence especially considering Gabriel has only just returned to training this week. The Brazilian has travelled however. Nacho Monreal is our choice on the left due to his defensive solidity and recent form. We were far too exposed with both Kieran Gibbs and Bellerin on either flank.
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In midfield Francis Coquelin is our best option in the deepest central role, teamed up with Aaron Ramsey on the weekend they looked a robust unit. Santi Cazorla is perhaps the Welshman’s biggest threat for a starting role, but Wenger will most likely go for a Le Coq-Rambo combo with Santi ahead in the No10 role.
We will need Ramsey’s engine to transition from defence to attack, and he’s certainly got a goal in him. This will allow Santi a bit more of a free reign going forward and take a little pressure off of the diminutive Spaniard.
That leaves Mesut Ozil on the left with Alexis Sanchez on the right who will be given free licence to roam and switch with one another. Theo Walcott misses out after a mixed performance at the weekend, the England international should’ve ended the day with a brace but came away empty handed. Theo will be a useful option from the bench as will Danny Welbeck. Unfortunately Tomas Rosicky has missed the trip due to sickness, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remains injured. Olivier Giroud gets the nod up front after a fantastic response from the disastrous first leg performance.
Here is our predicted lineup:
Would you make any changes? Share your thoughts below…
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