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Walcott starts in 4-2-3-1 line-up: My Arsenal XI to face Aston Villa

By on May 13, 2016

theo walcott arsenal

Arsenal end the season at home to Aston Villa on Sunday needing a win to stand any chance of pipping Spurs to second spot….this is the team I’d like to see Arsene Wenger go with….

Goalkeeper: Cech

Cech was once again exposed at his near post against City and it’s becoming a bit of a worry. However, he’s still our No.1 and should start ahead of Ospina.

Defence: Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Monreal

Mertesacker remains out with a hamstring that he suffered against Norwich so Gabriel will continue alongside Koscielny in the middle of defence.

I’d like to see Gibbs get a run-out at left-back just in case this will be his final game at the club but he hasn’t even made the squad recently so there’s little chance of it happening. Bellerin and Monreal will continue in the full-back spots.

Midfield: Wilshere, Coquelin

I’d love to see Wilshere given a start on Sunday. He got a useful 70 minutes under his belt against City last weekend and while he was understandably a little rusty, he deserves to make his first start of the campaign after a torrid time with injuries and build up his fitness ahead of the Euro’s.

Ramsey was woeful against City so I’d leave him out and I’d bring Coquelin in for Elneny. The Egyptian international has been virtually ever-present recently so let’s give him a breather, and I think Coq would probably be a better partner for Jack anyway.

Cazorla is also back in contention but I’d leave him on the bench and give him a run out in the second half.

Attack: Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez

Okay, I know what you’re thinking…..why the hell is Walcott starting?! Yes, I know he’s been useless off the bench recently and doesn’t deserve to start but this is our last chance to see what Theo’s made of before a decision has to be made over his future. Does he want to stay at Arsenal? Now is the time for him to prove it. Give him a start and tell him to fight for his Arsenal future.

Iwobi’s form has dipped slightly in recent games anyway so I’d leave him out. Ozil will get a recall after missing the City game with a minor hip injury while Sanchez would make up the attacking trio.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is out with a knee injury but Rosicky is fit and I’d love to see him get a few minutes off the bench so the Emirates can give him a good send off before he leaves the club.

Striker: Giroud

With Welbeck cruelly ruled out for nine months with a knee injury, we have little option but to start Giroud up top. I suppose we could put Theo through the middle but Olivier broke his duck against City last weekend so hopefully he’s got a bit of confidence back.

This would be my line-up:

Whatever team Arsene puts out, let’s hope they are up for it and don’t simply turn up expecting it to be a walk in the park. We have to win on Sunday to stand any chance of finishing above Spurs and while a Newcastle win is less likely following their relegation, we still have to hope. Lasagna anyone?