Arsenal’s possible starting XI against Borussia Dortmund

With Gibbs out, Monreal is expected to start

Arsenal will travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund tomorrow night in what would what would certainly be an enthralling contest between two sides who play some beautiful football. It will be a crucial game for the Gunners and even a draw would be a decent output given the fact that Dortmund managed to win all three points at the Emirates and this time around it will be a daunting task to beat them in front of their home crowd.

Dortmund stand second in the Bundesliga table just a point behind leaders Bayern Munich and are in an incredible run of form and will come into the match after thrashing Stuttgart 6-1 in the league. Arsenal meanwhile are at the top of the table but their recent defeats to Chelsea and Dortmund in the League Cup and the Champions League will be a worrying sign for Wenger and the French professor has to come up with a plan to stop the free flowing German side.

As far as the news team is concerned, Arsenal will continue to miss Mathieu Flamini who has been such revelation since his arrival in the summer. Walcott and Podolski are back in training but are likely to miss the game. Arsene Wenger has also confirmed that Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere are set to miss the Champions League clash.

So here is the possible XI that Arsene Wenger might field against Borussia Dortmund:

Defence:

Wojciech Szcz?sny will retain his spot in goal while the back four in front of him might be altered with Gibbs out of the game. Sagna, Vermaelen and Koscielny who had an excellent game against Liverpool should start again while Wenger will have to decide between Monreal and Vermaelen for the left-back role.

Monreal who has received more game time than the Belgian International this season, might be an easy choice for Wenger but will have to sacrifice Arsenal’s attacking options down the left as Monreal doesn’t go forward as much Gibbs or Vermaelen.

Whereas Vermaelen likes to attack and make continuous overlapping runs, which will leave the defence vulnerable. So I am assuming that Monreal who has been limited to substitute roles this season might be given the chance to start a crucial game.

Midfield:

Although, Flamini is injured Arsene Wenger has been blessed with one of the best midfields in the country this season. Arteta will continue to anchor Arsenal’s engine alongside Aaron Ramsey while Ozil will play the customary No.10 role behind French International Olivier Giroud.

Forwards:

Giroud will continue to spearhead Arsenal’s attack. The French International after a decent first season with Arsenal last year has continued to grow in stature and although he is not your typical 30 goals-a-season demolishing striker, Giroud contributes well in Arsenal’s attacking play. His hold-up play against tough tackling Premier League defenders have been such a revelation to watch. Elsewhere, on the left expect Santi Cazorla to wiggle his magic and on the right Thomas Rosicky should retain his place for the third game running.