Arsenal’s starting XI has hope… despair
Arsenal’s starting eleven will leave Gunners with a lot of hope, but an equal amount of despair.
The early suggestion is:
Goal: Szczesny
Back four: Jenkinson Mertesacker Vermaelan Gibbs
Mid-fielders: Arteta Diaby
Attack: Walcott Cazorla Gervinho
Striker: Podolski
While the presence of Podolski will ease the Van Persie pain, it is the back four and the middle of the park that will be a worry.
The loss of Alex Song is likely to be bigger than the loss of RVP.
However, the clutch of injuries may be even more hurtful.
Laurent Koscielny will be a huge miss.
Is Per Meretsacker enough cover for when Thomas Vermaelen goes AWOL?
Tomas Rosicky and Olivier Giroud are also not in, which might perhaps beg for the Ox to start, just to provide that extra bit of zing.
No Kos the Boss in defence, no Song in midfield.
It is time for the likes of Walcott, Gibbs and Diaby to stand up and be counted – on the winning side.
If Arsenal fail to win, Wenger and the Gunners will be under siege.
Arsenal cannot afford a slow start.
Sunderland will show no mercy.
Let the games begin.