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Star recalled in 4-2-3-1 line-up: My Arsenal XI to face Sunderland

By on April 22, 2016

Arsenal take on Sunderland on Sunday afternoon needing a win to close the gap on Tottenham….this is the team I’d like to see Arsene Wenger go with….

Goalkeeper: Cech

Cech got over his erorr against Palace with a clean sheet against West Brom last night. He may have been a virtual bystander for much of the game but I’d still pick him ahead of Ospina all day long.

Defence: Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Monreal

I think it’s safe to say the defence looked far more at ease with Mertesacker back in the middle. The German may lack pace but he more than makes up for it in other areas and he brings some much needed composure to the back four.

I’ve been calling for Gibbs to get a game for a few weeks now but he’s nursing a back problem so I’d stick with the same defence that started against West Brom – Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Monreal.

Midfield: Ramsey, Elneny

Wenger recalled Ramsey to the side last night and the Welshman justified his selection with a fine performance. We’ve certainly missed his energy in midfield and if he could just cut out the needless flicks and stick to the basics, he’d be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Coquelin was the man to drop out against the Baggies and I really liked the look of Elneny in the deeper role, so would go with him alongside Rambo again this weekend.

Wilshere could be back in the squad but obviously he’s not ready to start just yet. Hopefully he can get some minutes in the second half though. Cazorla is back in full training but isn’t ready to feature so remains out along with Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Attack: Iwobi, Ozil, Sanchez

If I was to make one change it would be to bring Campbell back in as he’s been pretty harshly treated in recent weeks. However, Iwobi put in another positive performance last night so I don’t think there’s any need to leave him out any time soon.

Sanchez is back to his best with a superb brace against West Brom so he should obviously keep his place along with Ozil in attack.

Striker: Welbeck

Welbeck was left on the bench last night so he’s almost certain to get a recall on Sunday and I think it’s a good idea as Giroud showed against West Brom why he’s now our No.2 striker. He was static and slowed our play down so we need the movement and pace of Welbeck back in the side.

This would be my line-up:

Think Arsenal are going to win? Then back them at silly odds of 5/1

Sunderland are going to be right up for this game as they’re fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table so hopefully the Arsenal players are ready to dig deep as we’re going to have to work for the three points on Sunday.

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