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Sanchez & Koscielny out: My 4-2-3-1 Arsenal line-up v Ludogorets

By mac14 on October 31, 2016

Arsenal will be looking to take another huge step closer to qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League when we take on Ludogorets in Bulgaria on Wednesday night. This is the team I’d like to see Arsene Wenger go with….

Goalkeeper: Ospina

Arsene’s decided to play Ospina in the group stages of the Champions League so we’ll see the Colombian come in to the side with Cech dropping out.

Defence: Bellerin, Mustafi, Gabriel, Gibbs

Arsene has hinted that he may rotate on Wednesday to keep players fit for the Tottenham game at the weekend and I’d like to see Koscielny given a breather. Gabriel or even Holding should be able to do a job against Ludogorets.

Mustafi should keep his place while a don’t think Monreal will be risked after missing the last two games with a muscle issue so Gibbs will get another chance to impress at left-back. Ideally I’d also give Bellerin a rest but I’m not sure Jenkinson is ready for Champions League football just yet.

Midfield: Elneny, Xhaka

Xhaka returns from his ban so the Swiss international should definitely start in midfield on Wednesday night. Ramsey made his comeback from injury with a late cameo during the win at Sunderland but I don’t think he’s ready to start just yet.

Cazorla has missed the last three games with an achilles injury and I wouldn’t risk him with the Spurs game in mind so it’s between Coquelin and Elneny for the other midfield spot. I’d go with the Egyptian as I think he’s a better partner for Xhaka.

Attack: Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Iwobi

Walcott missed the Sunderland game with a hamstring problem and I wouldn’t risk him against Ludogorets so Oxlade-Chamberlain should keep his place on the right wing.

Ideally we’d rest Ozil but we don’t really have anyone to replace his creativity so let’s start him and give him a rest in the second half if the game allows. Iwobi’s form has dipped lately but I’d still stick with him on the left.

Striker: Giroud

One player I would like to see rested is Sanchez. I don’t care how upset he gets, we need him 100% fit for Tottenham on Sunday so give the Chilean superstar a breather.

Giroud made his comeback with a bang on Saturday after scoring twice off the bench against Sunderland so the Frenchman can lead the line up front on Wednesday night. Perez, Welbeck and Akpom all remain injured.

This would be my line-up to face Ludogorets: