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Ramsey & Monreal Out: The Arsenal XI That Should Face Reading

By on April 16, 2015

Mathieu Debuchy

Arsenal have a great opportunity to book their place in the FA Cup final when we take on Reading on Saturday evening. This is the side I’d like to see Arsene Wenger go with….

Szszesny

The boss has already confirmed that Szczesny will start in the semi-final and I think it’s the right decision. Wojciech was excellent against Man Utd in the quarters so let’s hope he can produce another positive display on Saturday.

Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs

There has been talk that Debuchy will be handed a recall but I think that would be A) a risk and B) harsh on Bellerin. Debuchy has played just 60 minutes in a friendly in over four months so isn’t match sharp yet and Bellerin has been outstanding during his absence so deserves to start.

I’d also like to see Gibbs given a run out as he’s been harshly treated in recent weeks. I know Monreal has played well, but not SO well that Gibbs doesn’t deserve some game-time too.

In the middle of defence we should stick with the experience duo of Mertesacker and Koscielny.

Coquelin, Cazorla

Wenger has a real dilemma in central midfield now that everyone is back to full fitness. Wilshere is in contention but there’s no way I’d start him yet, but the big decision is how to fit Ramsey in.

The Welshman has been forced to play out wide in recent games but I don’t think it’s worked as he drifts inside far too much. So I’d prefer to see him left out and maintain the balance of the team with Welbeck giving us some real pace and width down the right.

Obviously Coquelin should start and I don’t see how we can leave Cazorla out, so unfortunately Ramsey is the man to make way.

Welbeck, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud

As I’ve said, Welbeck to start on the right and he’d join Ozil and Sanchez in the attacking three behind Giroud. There’s plenty of pace, creativity and goals in that attack. It should be wayyyy too much for Reading to deal with.

So this is how I’d line-up:

Let’s not have another nail-biter like last year when Wigan took us to penalties. No complacency, put in a professional performance and our quality should see us through to the final.

What team would you pick? How would you fit Ramsey in?

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