Arsene Wenger confounded fans once again against Bournemouth when he started defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini ahead of fan favorite Francis Coquelin.
Fans have been desperate to keep Flamini off the pitch because they feel Coquelin, and new signing Mohamed Elneny, are more suited to the up-tempo style of the Gunners.
While Elneny was away from the team for their last two games he is expected back and should be available for the monster clash against league-leading Leicester City on Sunday. Wenger may look to change his lineup slightly against a team they have been battling against for the league lead for most of the season.
Predicted Lineup: Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez, Walcott, Giroud
The biggest change in this lineup from the last week is the inclusion of both Walcott and Giroud in the attack. Giroud often plays his best football off the bench but he has shouldered much of the striking role this season and that shouldn’t change in this game.
Walcott did not get much of a run out against Bournemouth as he only saw the final moments of extra time. He can add pace on the wing that Arsenal can use along with Sanchez. Coquelin also gets the start here ahead of Elneny and Flamini.
Coquelin has been terrific for Arsenal since his call up from a loan deal and this could be a huge moment for the player as this is the biggest game of the season for Arsenal. He can lock down his spot in the squad with a big performance.
Coquelin also gets the start here ahead of Elneny and Flamini. Coquelin has been terrific for Arsenal since his call up from a loan deal and this could be a huge moment for the player as this is the biggest game of the season for Arsenal. He can lock down his spot in the squad with a big performance here.
Mertesacker is also fit and should find his way into the lineup as Wenger has shown time and time again he is willing to trust the big German in crucial situations.
