Walcott Starts – Arsenal STRONGEST Possible Line Up For West Ham Clash

Arsenal has not won the league since the 2003/2004 season but they now have a chance of winning the title again after over 10 years, to do that, Arsene Wenger and his players will know they need to hit the ground running and that means they must go for the maximum three points on offer against West Ham this afternoon.

After signing Petr Cech early on in the transfer window, Arsene Wenger has done no business in the window for the first team, however, the team looks strong enough to mount a challenge for the title.

The signing of Petr Cech has further solidified Arsenal’s defence. His winning mentality and experience in the game will go a long way to help Arsenal in both the league and Europe. Here is how we think Arsenal will line up against West Ham today;

Defence

Petr Cech is 100% certain to start today unless there is a late fitness problem. Not since Jens Lehman left the club in 2008 have Arsenal had such a solid number one. Szczesny who many had thought would be the final solution has blown both hot and cold and has been sent on loan to Roma. Cech could prove to be the masterstroke for the gunners this season.

In the centre of defence, both Koscielny and Per Mertesacker will start. They are, unless Paulista steps up, likely to start most of Arsenal’s game in both the league and the champions league this season. At right back, Bellerin and Debuchy will fight it out. For today’s match and judging by his performance last season and in the preseason games, young Hector Bellerin is likely to edge it over Mathieu Debuchy.

The left back position will be taken by Nacho Monreal judging by Kieran Gibbs’ woeful form lately.

Midfield

Although club captain Mikel Arteta is back from injury, he is likely to start from the bench while young Frenchman Francis Coquelin will take the defensive midfield slot. With Santi Cazorla on form, it will be difficult to see anyone else starting ahead of him as Coquelin part. With Jack Wilshere out, the remaining three midfield slot is likely to be filled by the trio of Mesut “PASSMASTER” Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Oxlade Chamberlain. Sanchez is unlikely to make the bench as he only just returned from holiday.

Attack

Many Arsenal fans still hope their club will sign Karim Benzema from Real Madrid but it has not happened as of now. So who starts between Walcott and Giroud since Welbeck the other option in attack is still out injured? Judging by preseason, it seems Theo Walcott will get the nod over Olivier Giroud.