Your Starting XI?

Your 2009 - 2010 Arsenal Squad

Imagine that if you were the manager, and everyone is fit, what would be your pick of our strongest starting XI? Here is my lineup (in 4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Almunia

You guys know how I feel about him. But goalkeeper is all about CONFIDENCE. A great goalkeeper spreads a sense of confidence into his defence, his teammates, and the fans. Not that I feel any “confidence” whatsoever in Almunia, the thing though is – nor do I have in any other of our current ‘keepers. So Almunia would get my vote simply because he’s more experienced than the others.

Defence: Sagna – Gallas – Varmaelen – Clichy

The defence picks itself. Though I am tempted to play Eboue instead of Sagna because he’s better attacking wise. Nevertheless, since they are called “defenders”, I believe it’s better to have Sagna, who IMO is a better and safer right back.

Midfield: Song – Fabregas – Arshavin

One problem with the current 4-3-3 formation is – there seems to be a “gap” between van Persie and the midfield. In other words, we seem to have no one playing in the “hole”. I believe Cesc is best suited as a midfield schemer. Arshavin would be perfect to play alongside Cesc and look to charge forward supporting the main striker.

That was how he played back in EURO 2008, when he pulled of such a influential and dominating individual performance the world hadn’t seen since Platini in EURO 84 and Maradona in World Cup 86. Arshavin has an admirable workrate as well, so when needed, he could also drop back to help out Cesc and Song to stop the opposition’s attack.

Song would be our insurance in front of our back four.

ATTACK: Walcott – van Persie – Rosicky

I’d pick Walcott ahead of Nasri, for the simple fact that we need PACE upfront. His pace could offer us an extra attacking dimension. Someone who’s able to get behind the opposition defence. Someone who’s a real threat ion the counter attack.

Rosicky is our best runner without the ball behind Eduardo. But at the same time he’s also a quality schemer. In order for our pass and move game to work, we need runners there up front to create space for his teammates.

Van Persie is probably better suited for a wing role up front but he remains the club’s best striking option. He’s aggressive in the box and while not the strongest guy in the world, plays with an edge.