LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on March 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Arsenal Predicted Starters To Face Barcelona
Arsenal face certain doom against Barcelona, but Arsene Wenger is not going to mail it in. Here are the predicted starting XI for this impossible task.
It seems like it’s a bit of a futile endeavor to take the pitch at the Nou Camp. However, in light of Arsene Wenger’s recent statements, there is a mighty big chance that he sends out the dogs in the hopes of pulling off the most unlikely of advances.
It is not going to be a back-up squad, like many would like. While the pros to that kind of situation are pretty obvious, we have to keep in mind that Wenger is randomly ambitious at all the strangest times. With that in mind, here’s who should see the pitch.
It’s really past the point of fear with David Ospina. He has inspired new confidence, and while he is no Petr Cech, he certainly isn’t a blundering weeble wobble either. That being said, Barcelona is a test unlike any other. It will be interesting to see how Ospina shapes up against the Spanish giants.It’s really past the point of fear with David Ospina. He has inspired new confidence, and while he is no Petr Cech, he certainly isn’t a blundering weeble wobble either. That being said, Barcelona is a test unlike any other. It will be interesting to see how Ospina shapes up against the Spanish giants."
> GK David Ospina
13, Colombia
It’s going to be all hands on deck for this match – particularly offensively, where Arsenal has looked so stale lately. Some of that extra help is going to have to come from the flanks, where Bellerin will be.It’s going to be all hands on deck for this match – particularly offensively, where Arsenal has looked so stale lately. Some of that extra help is going to have to come from the flanks, where Bellerin will be."
> RB Hector Bellerin
24, Spain
In a must-win, Wenger will resort to what he knows best, and that is the age-old CB duo. Mertesacker did maintain his composure remarkably well in the first leg – at least for most of the game. If he can stay focused for all 90 minutes, he can be a positive influence."
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CB
Per Mertesacker
4, Germany
In a must-win, Wenger will resort to what he knows best, and that is the age-old CB duo. Mertesacker did maintain his composure remarkably well in the first leg – at least for most of the game. If he can stay focused for all 90 minutes, he can be a positive influence.
He’s back. That is a bit of a good thing. While his presence didn’t mean much in the first leg, hopefully a renewed Koscielny will have an amped up focus and determination.He’s back. That is a bit of a good thing. While his presence didn’t mean much in the first leg, hopefully a renewed Koscielny will have an amped up focus and determination."
> CB Laurent Koscielny
6, France
Everything said about Hector Bellerin applies here as well. Arsenal is going to need their fullbacks to be commanding the flanks, offensively and defensively.Everything said about Hector Bellerin applies here as well. Arsenal is going to need their fullbacks to be commanding the flanks, offensively and defensively."
> LB Nacho Monreal
18, Spain
Coquelin has been less than impressive for Arsenal lately, but it will be up to him to disrupt the supply lines and introduce a little chaos to Barcelona’s inevitable control. Good luck.Coquelin has been less than impressive for Arsenal lately, but it will be up to him to disrupt the supply lines and introduce a little chaos to Barcelona’s inevitable control. Good luck."
> RM Francis Coquelin
34, France
If Elneny had been able to finish, Arsenal would be singing a different tune from the FA Cup right about now. But he didn’t. Aside from that finishing, he looked pretty solid. He controls the ball well and looks to be a force in the middle of the pitch. Naturally though, we must wonder – can he do it against Barcelona?If Elneny had been able to finish, Arsenal would be singing a different tune from the FA Cup right about now. But he didn’t. Aside from that finishing, he looked pretty solid. He controls the ball well and looks to be a force in the middle of the pitch. Naturally though, we must wonder – can he do it against Barcelona?"
> LM Mohamed Elneny
35, Egypt
Here is my optimistic start of the day. Not because of who it is, because we know Alexis will be starting, but because of where he is. The Chilean is completely out of ideas and shifting his position may alter his perception enough to spark a bit of impromptu creativity. Who knows.Here is my optimistic start of the day. Not because of who it is, because we know Alexis will be starting, but because of where he is. The Chilean is completely out of ideas and shifting his position may alter his perception enough to spark a bit of impromptu creativity. Who knows."
> RW Alexis Sanchez
17, Chile
Arsenal need as many weapons leading the charge as possible, but we also need big, physical weapons, because that is one of the few ways Arsenal can get the upper hand on Barcelona. With Ozil whipping in free kicks, having the added, tall head of Welbeck to aim for is a blessing that could breed more blessings in the form of goals.Arsenal need as many weapons leading the charge as possible, but we also need big, physical weapons, because that is one of the few ways Arsenal can get the upper hand on Barcelona. With Ozil whipping in free kicks, having the added, tall head of Welbeck to aim for is a blessing that could breed more blessings in the form of goals."
> LW Danny Welbeck
23, England
The man of the season. Ozil was visibly frustrated against Watford, as he was yellow carded for lowering his shoulder for no reason. Well, there was a reason (he plays for Arsenal, after all), but that’s not the point. The point is that Ozil is getting angry and I don’t think I recall the last time I have seen him angry. But I’m excited.The man of the season. Ozil was visibly frustrated against Watford, as he was yellow carded for lowering his shoulder for no reason. Well, there was a reason (he plays for Arsenal, after all), but that’s not the point. The point is that Ozil is getting angry and I don’t think I recall the last time I have seen him angry. But I’m excited."
> CAM Mesut Ozil
11, Germany
I have defended Oliveir Giroud since he first arrived, but he is making it hard to continue to do so. Those two goals at Hull were – let’s be honest – gifts. We have yet to see him provide an actual meaningful Arsenal goal in recent memory. Those were his only two goals in his last 13 appearances. Something has to give.13 appearances. Something has to give."
> ST Olivier Giroud
12, France
