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Walcott & Gabriel recalled: My Arsenal starting XI vs Sunderland

By on May 15, 2017

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Arsenal need a win to keep the put the pressure on Liverpool when we entertain Sunderland at the Emirates on Tuesday evening.

This is the team I’d like to see Arsene Wenger go with….

Goalkeeper: Cech

Cech continued his excellent recent form with another impressive showing during the 4-1 win at Stoke on Saturday evening so obviously he should keep his place tomorrow night.

Defence: Gabriel, Mustafi, Holding

Koscielny aggravated his calf injury at the Bet365 Stadium and Wenger says the skipper will face a late fitness test. However, I wouldn’t risk him against Sunderland as we have the FA Cup final to think about.

Therefore, I’d recall Gabriel and play him on the right side of the back three with Mustafi in the middle and Holding on the left. This defence should be more than capable of shutting out relegated Sunderland and give Kos time to fully recover.

Midfield: Bellerin, Xhaka, Ramsey, Monreal

Monreal was a real danger down the left at the weekend so he should retain his place even though Gibbs is back in contention after recovering from a minor calf injury.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out of our remaining two league games so Bellerin will continue in the right wing-back role.

Ramsey was given a breather at the weekend and Coquelin was surprisingly good in his absence but I’d still recall the Welshman tomorrow night alongside Xhaka – who continued his fine form on Saturday.

theo walcott arsenal

Attack: Ozil, Walcott, Welbeck

Sanchez limped off against Stoke after picking up a thigh injury and Wenger says he’s a doubt for tomorrow’s game. With Champions League qualification unlikely following Liverpool’s win at West Ham, I wouldn’t risk Alexis tomorrow.

Therefore, I’d bring Walcott back in to the side. The formation switch has seen him consigned to a bench role but I’d give him a run out in against the Black Cats.

Ozil was excellent at the weekend so hopefully we see him put in another impressive display while I’d recall Welbeck despite Giroud scoring twice against Stoke.

For me, Welbeck needs to start the FA Cup final so I’d start him tomorrow, give Giroud the nod against Everton on Sunday then bring Danny back in for the Chelsea game.

This would be my line-up:

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