Goalkeeper: I've opted for Martinez between the sticks for this one. He's impressed me in the few games he has played this season. Brighton would be a good opportunity for him to get some more match experience under his belt, whilst also not putting Ospina or Szczesny at risk of injury or suspension.
Defence: With Gibbs returning from injury, it'll do his fitness the world of good to get some match practice, in a game where he shouldn't be troubled too much, or have to work very hard (fingers crossed!). Centre-back pairing of Monreal and Chambers. Koscielny has been playing too many games with an Achilles injury, therefore it'd be wise to let him sit this one out. Mertesacker hasn't been performing very well as of late - with the exception of our last game at Man City away - so giving him a rest could be beneficial. Bellerin at right-back, with Debuchy out for between 6 weeks and 3 months (depending on who you believe), Bellerin needs as many minutes as he can get. I was greatly impressed by how he handled himself against Man City on Sunday. Other than getting done by Milner once in the early stages of the first half, he had a good, solid game, both going forward and defending.
Midfield: Gone for a centre-midfield partnership of Flamini and Ramsey. Coquelin has been amazing since he returned from his loan spell with Charlton, but to prevent him picking up a yellow, or even a red card, I'd let him sit this one out on the bench, and put Flamini in his place. Ramsey, again, returning from injury (going to be a bit of a recurring theme with this line-up!), could do with some games to get him back to his best. I don't think Ramsey had a particularly good game against City at the weekend - he didn't play badly, but we desperately need him to rediscover his form of last season, and prove that he isn't a "one season wonder" so-to-speak.
Attackers: Sanchez and Cazorla have without a doubt been our best performers so far this season, in my opinion, and surely we don't need them to get a win at Brighton??? I hope not anyway. As I've said earlier, resting them would prevent risk of injury, with some important games coming up. This gives Ozil and Walcott - again, returning from injury - a chance to stake a claim for a regular starting spot, and remind us of the magic that they are both capable of. Rosicky out on the left. Rozza has still got it in him, in his old age, as he has shown in his past couple of appearances. Playing Rosicky, would give the Ox a break, as I don't think he is at full fitness right now. Akpom or Joel Campbell upfront. I've not been too impressed with what little I've seen of Campbell. Some may disagree with me, but I honestly don't see what the fuss is about? He scored a cracker for Olympiakos, against Manchester United, but other than that, what has he done? Danny Welbeck is still out injured I believe, so this game could give Akpom some vital first-team experience, and a chance to showcase his talents.
Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments section below!
No comments:
Post a Comment