Predicted Starting Line-up For Arsenal Against Crystal Palace – Ramsey To Play As An AM

Arsenal are a team in a red hot streak at the moment after a convincing 3-0 win against Manchester City in the community shield. If Mesut Oezil’s acquisition last summer was a statement of intent, Arsenal’s activity in the transfer market has been concentrated on increasing the quality and the depth of the squad in key areas. Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers featured in the Charity shield on Sunday, and Arsenal fans could well get their first chance to see their new signings in action in a competitive match.

Let’s put ourselves in Arsene Wenger’s shoes and predict the Arsenal XI against Crystal Palace.

GK – Wozceich Szczesny

Szczesny is the only available first team goalkeeper and having had a full summer break behind him, the Polish No. 1 will be raring to make an impression with the new signing David Ospina  currently on the sidelines with a thigh problem.

RB – Mathieu Debuchy

Pretty much the undisputed first choice for the Gunners at RB. The former Newcastle man was the subject of a £12m move in the summer and will get his first taste of action in a competitive match for Arsenal. 

CB – Calum Chambers

With Per Mertesacker unavailable and Thomas Vermaelen shipped to Spain, Calum Chambers will once again play in a CB role as he did in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

CB – Laurent Koscielny

Laurent Koscielny is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League at the moment, and after a terrific campaign last time around, Koscielny should overcome a slight injury worry to take his place in the season opener against Palace.

LB – Kieran Gibbs

With Nacho Monreal struggling to make an impression, an injury free campaign is exactly what Kieran Gibbs needs to get his career back on track. Could this be the big breakthrough season for the Arsenal left back?

CM – Mikel Arteta

With Vermaelen on his way on Barcelona, Arteta seems to be the most likely candidate for the armband, but with uncertainty over his place in the starting line-up, Arteta would be looking to improve his on-field performances to cement his place in the team.

CM – Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere has always failed to convert that spark into consistent performances over the course of the season. But with a rejuvenated look about Arsenal and the trophy drought done away with, Wilshere needs to push on this season and confirm his standing as one of the best players in England.

CAM – Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey had a coming-of-age campaign last time around, and will look to continue his purple patch when Palace make the short journey to the Emirates. Absence of Mesut Ozil means, the Welsh star will play in a more advanced role.

RW – Alexis Sanchez

The Big money signing has raised hopes at the Emirates and confirmed Arsenal as one of the title contenders this season. Big things are expected of the Chilean. Can he light up the Emirates on his very first competitive outing? We will find out soon.

ST – Olivier Giroud

Giroud scored a screamer against Manchester City in the Community Shield and will have to keep finding the net often this season with genuine competition in the form of Alexis Sanchez, Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo.

LW – Santi Cazorla

Santi Cazorla will have to get used to a wider role with the likes of Mesut Oezil and Aaron Ramsey offering competition to play in the hole behind the frontman. But the Spanish International will be a player to watch out for as he looks to cut open the Palace defence with his vision and creativity.