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3-4-2-1: Lacazette out, Welbeck to start: My Arsenal starting XI to face Man Utd

By mac14 on November 30, 2017

Arsenal can move to within just one point of Manchester United with a win over Jose Mourinho’s men at the Emirates on Saturday evening. Here is the team I would like to see Arsene Wenger select….

Goalkeeper: Cech

Cech did his bit to secure another clean sheet against Huddersfield last night so he should certainly keep his place on Saturday.

Defence: Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal

This back three continues to impress as we are yet to lose a game in which they’ve started together and I think Mustafi’s presence in the middle has a lot to do with our recent good form.

The German international was superb again on Wednesday night and looks a different player since returning from injury so we should see him continuing alongside Koscielny and Monreal at the back.

Midfield: Bellerin, Ramsey, Xhaka, Kolasinac

Ramsey was excellent against Huddersfield after assisting both Lacazette and Ozil for their goals and he looks to be finally getting back to his best form so no doubt he should retain his place.

Xhaka went quietly about his business last night and while I still think we need a long-term upgrade on the Swiss international, he should keep his place against United on Saturday.

Bellerin had a mixed game last night as his final ball let him down but he’ll still start on the right while Kolasinac will keep his place on the left after setting up the fifth goal against Huddersfield.

Attack: Ozil, Sanchez, Welbeck

Unfortunately it looks like Lacazette has been ruled out of the game this weekend after being forced off against Huddersfield at half-time with a groin injury. The Frenchman will be a big miss as I think he’s been steadily improving every game and we’ll certainly miss his ice-cool finishes in front of goal.

The big question is who should replace Laca. Giroud came on for him against Huddersfield and scored two goals so he’s probably favourite but I’d like to see Welbeck given the nod up front.

Danny is the most similar to Lacazette in terms of work-rate and movement so he’d have less of an impact on our style of play than if Giroud was selected. Therefore, I’d go with Welbeck and use Giroud as an impact sub.

Sanchez is a slight doubt due to a minor hamstring issue but Wenger is confident he’ll be fit. Let’s hope so as it would be a disaster if he was also ruled out.

Ozil was outstanding in the second half last night and when he’s in that sort of form he’s unplayable. Let’s hope we see more of the same and Mesut is up for the fight against United as he’s a joy to watch when he’s on song.

Iwobi will give us an option from the bench while Walcott could come back in to the squad after recovering from illness.

This is the team I hope we’ll see: