Could this be the first XI for this season?
Before I start talking about that, I think a few words on the Emirates Cup? I think we showed why we reached the CL semi-final last year as we comfortably outplayed Aletico and Rangers. While Rangers were out of their depth, Atletico didn’t embarass themselves and it required Arshavin’s eloquence and no non-sense, a determination to eke out a positive result to produce a victorious scoreline.
Wilshere was imperious in both matches and yes he does deserve a few games in the league this season. However we must be cautious, he is young and the team around him isn’t that much more experienced as say when Fabregas was 17. Defensively, I always felt anxious and yet again the defence line was way too high. Reinforcements in that area are a must I think, attacking we are fine.
Now bearing the last few points above, I think this is the team we should play on a regular basis this season and you’ll see why. During most of his era, Wenger has used a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-1-1 formation and only recently he has started to use a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3. I think the latter is the way to go. If we do, then these are the players to use. Almunia
In place of Bendtner we could use Walcott or Wilshere. RVP could be replaced by Vela or even Nasri (maybe?). Song could easily be used instead of Denilson or Rosicky as cover. Personally I feel more comfortable if Song is used in defence as opposed to DM. I don’t think he has the drive to do the destroyer-type role. Djourou seems to be given a lot of faith this season and perhaps he could be prefered instead of Vermalaen. My preference for the RB position is Eboue, he is really dynamic, as an attacking option in that role. However Sagna offers more defensive stability. Clichy shouldn’t count himself a certain, as Gibbs and Traore could easily replace him. The latter looks more determined, resolute since his return from that Portsmouth spell. Why a 3 man midfield of Denilson, Fabregas and Rosicky? Defensively Stability and better ball retention. Think about it, we know Denilson has an excellent positioning ability. Keeping him in a deeper role means he could be the one who is assigned the role of breaking up play (albeit in a subtle manner) and distribute the ball short i.e. short passes to keep things ticking. The other two also like to distribute the ball from deep or play quick one two’s. I believe Rosicky and Fabregas are very similar, and could depending on the state of play, easily switch roles. Rosicky on the left could be slightly advanced as he brings in Clichy into the game a bit more and has a good shot on him. However don’t forget, the Czech Mozart has played in DM before and is always a committed player i.e. you will see him chasing the ball and attempting his fair share of tackles. Few posts back I suggested that Cesc should get stuck in and help out defensively when possible. Of course if he is assigned an advanced midfield role, this makes it difficult. So far in the pre-season he looks more committed. Is it the haircut? Who knows. Let’s hope he doesn’t go back to the mullet. Then again he had a lot of bite about him then. Arshavin and RVP on the wings as both are pretty direct. I remember RVP did a similar role for Holland few years back. Using the alternative suggestions mean, even these players could do the same. Dare I say Walcott on one wing and Wilshere on the other and that could create a lot of problems for the opposition. Well, maybe in a few years time anyway. Eduardo as central striker seems a bit odd since he isn’t exactly the target man. However, his running off the ball, the way he times his run is way better than any of the other Arsenal players. And he has pace which means a pacey trio of 3. An Eduardo alternative could be Vela or Walcott, perhaps? Of course this depends on the fitness of the players most importantly, Eduardo and Rosicky. However even the replacements are capable to do a good job in this formation.
Ummm… no Arshavin in your starting XI?
I've changed it now. Slightly got carried away in the thought process. Apologies, it was a genuine mistake. How is the balance of it now?
Much better. That would be my starting XI, though I must say we must have the shortest squad in the Prem.
after injuries fo sure. Let's hope better luck on that front this season. I think only Denilson and Song didn't get injuries last season. And Bendtner i think, but that surely is about it. Everyone else was in the treatment room.
Sorry, I can't see Wenger playing 4-3-3 as his main formation. I can't see our team playing in 4-3-3, and to be frank I don't fancy it.
I say 4-4-2, or a 4-1-2-1-2.
Almunia
Sagna Djourou Gallas Clichy
Walcott Fabregas Rosicky Arshavin
Eduardo v.Persie
Fabregas and Rosicky will make great midfield partners. I like Cesc a little bit behind Rosicky so that he can do the longer balls and also guard the back four sometimes.
A DM is quite important when the full backs are attacking.
Vertino, what position is Almunia playing? That looks like an auxillary right back position. Or is he even on the pitch?!
this team while not having the same creative depth as Barcelona's 4-3-3 team still have sufficient atleticism to emerge champions.
Saying that, could this XI line up also in a4-4-2 with Arshavin on the right wing and Rosicky on the left? And Eduardo and RVP as strikers albeit RVP behind the Croatian?
Arid, That could work and it reflects the tactical flexibility of this group of players. However as it stands a strike partnership of RVP and Eduardo seems unlikely. I've yet to see Wenger play them both at the same time for a significant period of time.
It perhaps is the same situation as when Henry and Wiltord rarely featured as a strike partnership and the latter was accomodated in RM position.
SK Lee, I agree on the importance of having a good DM. However a midfield trio that is balanced to do both defensive and attacking duties can work.
Barcelona are the most successful at this and even Utd tried this with Fletcher, Carrick and Anderson or Park-ji Sung playing as a trio. Arguably this might be the way to go. Flowing football might not come with this formation but there will be a better shape.
Well, as of yesterday your line-up prediction wasn't even close.
it wasn't close because Rosicky was injured. And for some reason Wenger doesn't like to play RVP and Eduardo. May be it is the same reason as why he wouldn't play Henry and Wiltord together.