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4-2-3-1: Duo ruled out, Welbeck to start: My Arsenal XI to face Atletico Madrid

By on April 26, 2018

danny welbeck arsenal

Arsenal need to secure a first leg lead when we welcome Atletico Madrid to the Emirates in the semi-finals of the Europa League tonight. Here is the team I would like to see Arsene Wenger select….

Goalkeeper: Cech

Ospina returned from an ankle injury at the weekend as Cech had a supposed hip problem. However, Cech is fit again and I’d start our No.1 between the sticks for this crucial game.

Defence: Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal

I was surprised to see Wenger field our first choice defence against West Ham at the weekend but thankfully they all came through the game safely so I’d stick with our usual four.

Koscielny probably won’t be able to play three games in a week so he’ll be a doubt to face Man Utd on Sunday but it’s crucial he plays well this evening alongside Mustafi.

Kolasinac seems to have shaken off a minor ankle injury but Monreal should keep his place at left-back with Bellerin obviously on the opposite flank.

Midfield: Xhaka, Ramsey, Wilshere

Elneny has been ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging ankle ligaments during the win over West Ham. It’s a shame for the Egyptian international as he’s been playing well of late.

However, Wilshere is available again after recovering from his own ankle problem so I think we’ll see Jack recalled tonight. Let’s just hope he returns to form as he’s been pretty woeful in recent games.

Ramsey will obviously keep his place in midfield and we need a big performance from the Welshman if we’re to get a positive result this evening.

I’d go with Rambo alongside Xhaka in a deep midfield two to try and protect the defence with Wilshere deployed slightly further forward.

alexandre lacazette

Attack: Ozil, Welbeck, Lacazette

Aubameyang is obviously ineligible in the Europa League so Lacazette will start up front and hopefully he’ll be in confident mood as he’s scored 6 goals in his last five games including a late brace against West Ham at the weekend.

Ozil missed the Hammers game with an apparent sickness bug but he’s back in full training so will return to the attack and it’s vital he has a good game if we’re to beat Atletico tonight.

Mkhitaryan is back in light training after recovering from a knee ligament injury but unfortunately this game comes too soon so Wenger has a decision to make in attack.

Iwobi has been shocking in recent weeks so for me Welbeck is the clear choice as he’s actually found a bit of form lately.

This is the team I hope we see:

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