After their League Cup semi-final victory over arch-rivals, Chelsea, Arsenal will have to channelize their attention back to the Premier League as they are due to face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday. Arsene Wenger’s men are aiming to get their top-four bid back on track and thus, they must leave no stone unturned to muster all three points against the Swans.
Here is how we expect Arsenal to line-up against Carlos Carvalhal’s troops.
Defence
Petr Cech is likely to be stationed between the sticks once again for the Gunners against Swansea City. David Ospina looked commendable against Chelsea in the League Cup fixture but given that Wenger has relied on Cech for the league games, he is expected to be handed the gloves to start.
Ahead of him, we expect a three-man defensive wall comprising of Laurent Koscielny in the middle, Nacho Monreal to his left and Shkodran Mustafi to his right. These three guardians at the back are resilient, experienced and more than capable of cushioning Cech.
Wingbacks
Although Wenger has preferred playing Ainsley Maitland-Niles from the left-wingback slot lately, we might see the re-entry of muscular and dynamic Sead Kolasinac. A trip to the Liberty Stadium might help him get his groove back.
Hector Bellerin is likely to start from the right-wingback position. The industry and pace that the Spaniard possesses has really helped the North London outfit time and again this season and he would be keen to showcase his calibre on the pitch once again.
Midfield
Jack Wilshere has been hitting the right chords and has once again become a trusted man in Wenger’s tactical nous. He is expected to be stationed in the middle of the park with Granit Xhaka, who needs to show a bit more consistency in his performances. Santi Cazorla still remains sidelined with his plantaris injury.
Attack
Mesut Ozil might get the nod to start from the right flank and will look to slice the home side’s defence apart with his passes and vision. The German international already has 4 goals and 6 assists to his name in the Premier League this season and will certainly not be bereft of confidence.
Danny Welbeck is out with a muscular injury whereas Olivier Giroud will face a late fitness test. Right up front, we anticipate Alexandre Lacazette to spearhead Arsenal’s attack. The summer signing needs to score more goals though.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to get his first start in his career at Arsenal and he is expected to operate from the left flank. The Armenian international looks like a staggering addition at the onset and must be pining to get on the pitch in the Arsenal shirt.
