Well with a weekend off from the Premier League and the summer transfer window now closed, it’s time to turn our attention too where the new players will fit into the Arsenal squad.
We have 2 new defenders in Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos, which in my opinion, should both be thrown straight into the starting line-up, as they are better than what we’ve currently got in their positions.
So I think our back four will consist of:
Sagna Mertesacker Vermaelen Santos
I personally think that this is our best defensive line-up at the moment and having Vermaelen in between Mertesacker and Santos will hopefully help them adjust a lot quicker to the team and the Premier League.
Mertesacker – has to be inducted into the first-team straightaway alongside TV5. It’s a huge position to jump into but, in my opinion, he has the experience and height to be a huge force in our defence.
Santos – much the same as Mertesacker. He has to go straight into the first-team and make the left-back position his own. The Brazilian will give us another attacking option and has the pace to make runs down the left to cause problems.
Onto the midfield, where we have a couple of options. We either change to a 4-4-2 system, or keep with the current 4-3-3 one – this is of course up to Wenger.
Mikel Arteta – for me, the Spaniard fits straight into our line-up. He gives Arsenal a real boost in midfield and whether we use the 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, the 29-year-old will be featured in the squad as a first-team player throughout the season.
Yossi Benyaoun – I think his role completely depends on Arsenal’s formation. If we choose to go back to the familiar 4-4-2 system, then there is a spot for him in the first- team. However, if we stick with the 4-3-3 system, then he will be playing while Wilshere is out injured. But, I think he will rack up most of his appearances this season by coming off from the bench.
As for our attack and Park Chu-Young.
Well, I think the Korean will start while Gervinho is suspended, assuming we use the 4-3-3 formation. However, I think he will be spending most of his time on the bench. He will get his games by playing in the minor cup competitions. I cannot see him being in the starting 11 week in week out, but much will depend on how Gervinho does when he returns from suspension.
So, here is my expected Arsenal starting 11 for the season ahead:
Szczesny
Sagna Mertesacker Vermaelen Santos
Frimpong
Arteta Wilshere
Walcott Gervinho
Van Persie
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Walcott has to start for me. He got 9 goals and 7 assists in a still injury hit season last year. He looks the best I have seen him so far and 3 goals in 5 games so far he has to start.