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Wenger may have one eye on the trip to Bayern Munich in midweek, but the Gunners cannot afford any more hick-ups in the league and 3 points is nothing less than essential. I think both Lucas and Welbeck should have started against Chelsea and should now start against Hull City. I’d also like to see Welbeck play against Bayern Munich, so perhaps he should be limited to a 60-minute stint in this fixture.
Goalkeeper: David Ospina
It’s been a terrible week for him but I’m sure Wenger will keep him in for this fixture, with Ospina coming in for the Champions League game in midweek and probably staying in for the Sutton United game. But I’d like to see Ospina get a run in the team, starting on Saturday.
Defence: Hector Bellerin, Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs
Gibbs needs to come into the line-up as Monreal has been poor, laboured and looked fatigued in recent weeks. Gibbs has been good whenever he has played this season and whilst I believe that the club need a new left back in the summer, I think that for now, Gibbs is the better option, especially for a home game against a lower league side like Hull. Mustafi and Koscielny must continue to play alongside each other to strengthen their bond, that will only improve with more minutes together.
Midfield: Francis Coquelin, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Lucas Perez, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez
Coquelin and The Ox were a bit overwhelmed by Chelsea, but I think they have enough about them to deal with Hull City. Coquelin will need to improve his passing range if Arsenal are to create sustained pressure. The Ox will need to be the man to shuttle between midfield and attack, being the extra man in attacking areas, but also assisting defensively. He’s been very good since coming into the centre, so hopefully he can continue to impress. On the wings, I’d move Alexis back to the left to allow Welbeck a chance up front and I’d select Lucas Perez on the right. The Spaniard has really impressed whenever he has played for Arsenal and he deserves a start in this game. Arsenal cannot make the same mistakes that they did against Watford – to ensure this doesn’t happen Wenger must select a team with a dynamic attack, pace and directness, as well as energy and intelligence. I feel a front three consisting of Lucas, Welbeck and Alexis would be perfect for this fixture. Elneny should play against Bayern, and I’d give him 30 minutes in this game to prepare for that. If we need a goal, bring him on for Coquelin, if we are winning, bring him on for the Ox.
Striker: Danny Welbeck
He did so well in the League Cup as a striker and he has looked very dangerous whenever he has been called upon from the bench. Danny is a very talented player and after a few weeks of reintegration, he is now ready to start in the Premier League. Arsenal need him, and his unique style of play will be very welcome to the attack.
