For the first time in many years, we take a lead into the last 16 second leg of a European competition.
The 2-0 win in the San Siro puts us in a good position, but far from it being job done.
The big team news will revolve around the defence - with doubts over the fitness of Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi and Monreal.
Interesting to see how Wenger sets up the midfield. Will he pair Xhaka and Elneny again, or bring in Wilshere and Ramsey to the XI? One should come into a more advanced role,
Lacazette is still out injured, and Aubameyang cup tied, so the front 3 should be Ozil, Mkhitaryan and Welbeck again.
Team I am expecting (fitness willing):
Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Elneny, Ozil, Ramsey, Mkhitaryan, Welbeck.
AC Milan at the Emirates...
posted on 13/3/18
comment by Gillespie Road (U18361)
posted 7 minutes ago
I expect the 2-0 lead to play a part in the squad selection. This is Wenger after all.
More or less the same squad dynamic as we had for the second Ostersunds game.
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If it weren't Milan and we had an FA cup quarter final this weekend then I'd agree with you. However with no game until Stoke at home over Easter due to the international break, Wenger will go with his strongest available line up. If Monreal is at 90-95% then I'd expect him to start as well.
Koscielny and Ramsey were rested for this tie which suggests Wenger will take no chances with rotation. I'm not sure who's next in line out of the CBs if Mustafi doesn't make it, I thought Chambers had gotten himself ahead of Holding in the pecking order but Holding started on Sunday.
posted on 13/3/18
I'm always a bit confused by threads like this.
Am I supposed to pick my choice of starters, or am I supposed to go by Wenger's rotational policy and predict the expected starting XI ?
posted on 13/3/18
You can do either. But if you say "probable squad" then it signifies it is what you expect Wenger to pick rather than what you want.
posted on 13/3/18
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 8 minutes ago
You can do either. But if you say "probable squad" then it signifies it is what you expect Wenger to pick rather than what you want.
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I've always gone with the latter. And the resultant grief that comes with it.
posted on 13/3/18
comment by Gillespie Road (U18361)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 8 minutes ago
You can do either. But if you say "probable squad" then it signifies it is what you expect Wenger to pick rather than what you want.
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I've always gone with the latter. And the resultant grief that comes with it.
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No grief, just questions.
posted on 13/3/18
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For the first time in many years, we take a lead into the last 16 second leg of a European competition.
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This is just a trick on the part of AC Milan to make Arsenal over confident. AC Milan will win in a penalty shoot-out!
posted on 13/3/18
Need our best team possible out. Milan could still easily turn it around if we’re not on it. If they get an early goal it could be a nervy game for us. Milan will need to attack us, so if we’re solid at the back I’m confident we could nick a goal as they push forward,
posted on 13/3/18
Lol Elneny? Why would he play. We should play the team that won in the San Siro. Bring Bellerin in for Chambers if he’s fit.
posted on 13/3/18
Chambers on the bench vs Watford indicates to me he will start though
posted on 13/3/18
I'd prefer AMN instead of Chambers at RB.