Arsenal have named a very strong squad ahead of the clash with basically everyone you'd expect on the flight with the exception of Wojciech Szczesny who is out with an ankle injury. Apparently he hurt it in the warm up to Saturday's clash against Southampton which perplexes me. If that was any other player they would have been dropped yet the goalkeeper kept his place? Obviously you cannot put his mistake down to an ankle injury but you can blame the ankle on his woeful distribution which caused us some problems. In any case, Mannone will replace him and I don't have good memories from his last Champions League appearance against Olympiacos. I'm sure you know which one...
Yesterday I was thinking that we should rest a few key first team players ahead of the Man City game but I don't know if that's possible. It is a must win game and Wenger is taking this competition very seriously this year. I would expect a few names to get a rest but otherwise it should be a pretty strong first XI, and the great thing this season is that we don't have to worry about making changes because we a pretty strong squad.
Mannone
Jenkinson - Koscielny - Vermaelan - Gibbs
Coquelin - Arteta
Ramsey
Walcott Giroud Gervinho
Koscielny should finally take his place in defense with Mertesacker getting a rest. He doesn't have anything to prove but if he puts in a sound performance than he has a chance of getting in the first XI full time. The rest of the defense is as per normal but Santos could replace Gibbs at left back as the he might need a rest. We must remember that he was injured for most of last season and hasn't consistently strung games together until recently. In midfield I would keep Diaby fresh for the weekend where he will go head to head with Yaya in what will be quite a heavy midfield battle. Coquelin will continue in his place while he finds his feat in the first team. Arteta is our most consistent midfielder and vice-captain so he is a no-brainer. Ramsey deserves a shot after being kept out for the first 4 games by Cazorla. I would rest the Spanish international ahead of the City game. The front three will be Walcott, Giroud and Gervinho. Walcott hasn't played much this season and has it all to prove for a new contract. Giroud will line up against his former club where he will be extra motivated to get that first goal and Gervinho will hopefully continue his excellent work from the weekend.
That is a pretty strong XI that should be able to get the job done against a Montpellier side lacking in form and confidence. As I said yesterday, they have only gotten 4 points from a possible 12 in the league. But we cannot underestimate them, this is their first appearance in the Champions League and they will be fired up.
My prediction:
Montpellier 0 - 2 Arsenal
Goals by Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey will be the difference.
'Till Tomorrow
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