Before going to goodison, lets briefly revisit the Besiktas game. The European trip doesn't go as scripted and resulted in a goalless draw. Frankly it was a hard-fought match and a fair result for both the teams. But a lame result for a team challenging for the Barclays Premier League! Though the late chance created by Chamberlain could have snatched the win after being reduced to 10 men but that wasn't to be. It hit the post!!! And that was that, End of 1st leg.
Gunners came out of the game paying physical toll in form of Arteta's injury. It was unfortunate and has suddenly exposed our depth in that regard. But Wenger is there to address it. And a possible solution is slotting in Mertesacker in Defence and getting the DM cover from Chambers. And manager's willingness to do more business in market will definitely help the cause.
Besides, returning of fellow Germans will also add new dimensions to the attack. Plus, the prospect of Ramsey, Özil, Sanchez and Cazorla in attack is also mouthwatering!!! And not to forget the young and raw talent of Campbell & Sanogo. Finally Ox and Wilshere, who are trying to nail down a berth in starting XI despite of great competition.
The sad memories of this fixture last season will also motivate players to turn up with good performance. The game saw gunners' UCL destiny out of their hands but the fellow Londoners Palace gifted it back to Arsenal. But now its part of the another famous 'Arsenal Top 4 Finish'. But Now the story is different. Everton are more ambitious and are building a good team to last till May and win UCL spot. And with Martinez at the helm, they are expected to improve. They have enough quality in their side to give tough time to any team in the league. So let's expect an even game between the two sides.
Now team news. As mentioned, Arteta is out along with Gibbs & Walcott. So team will be pretty much the same as the one which faced Besiktas with maybe Mertesacker replacing the skipper. So starting XI will look something like this:
Szczesny; Monreal, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Debuchy; Chambers, Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla, Sanchez; Giroud
Am also expecting Bellerin/Campbell on the bench along with Germans.
Can't wait for it to start. Till then, enjoy your time. On Twitter @saram297
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