The Gunners host Stoke City on Saturday as the busy end-of-the-year schedule begins and the north Londoners will be hoping to continue their fine run that has seen them remain unbeaten since their loss to Liverpool in the opening game of the new season.
A win over The Potters and Arsenal can keep up with their chase for the top spot, as only 3 points separate them from Chelsea.
Stoke won’t be a walk in the park given their current form that has seen them done well this term, with Mark Hughes’ men currently lying in 9th position after a decent start to the season.
A tough game awaits the hosts, and Wenger’s starting XI could be lined up like this.
Formation : 4-2-3-1
GK – Cech
Been brilliant in goal for the Gunners thus far, but his lack of keeping regular clean sheets should be a concern to him having gone 5 games without keeping one, and having kept just 4 in 14 Premier League appearances.
LB – Monreal
Has started the season on a fine note again, and would hope his fine form continues in defence and in terms of also contributing to the Gunners’ attack against The Potters.
CB – Mustafi
Excellent is the best word to describe how the German who has been in the heart of Arsenal’s defence since arriving from Valencia in the summer.
Another stiff test awaits him on Saturday evening.
CB – Koscielny
The stand-in skipper has won more aerial duels (3.9) on an average per game than any Arsenal player and has been a very big reason they have conceded just 14 goals thus far.
RB – Gabriel
Bellerin could face Stoke, but with that possibility not very certain, the Brazil defender is likely to start the game.
How he is able to keep Arnautovic at bay should be very interesting thing to watch, though.
CM – Xhaka
Looks to be finally at home with English football, and should play the more attacking role of the deep midfield’s pairing with Cazorla still out.
CM – Coquelin
The French defensive midfielder is back in contention for a starting role against Stoke having served a suspension, and he could be handed his 11th start of the season.
AML – Chamberlain
Looks to have made the left wing his following some great performances of recent, and should get another start as his audition for a permanent berth in Wenger’s starting XI continues.
AMC – Ozil
Has 4 goals and 2 assists in 13 appearances, and would hope to have a hand in Arsenal’s goals against a very tough opponent.
AMR – Perez
Impressed with an hat-trick against Basel on Tuesday, and could get his 2nd EPL start and another chance to lay claim on regular football on the back of that ahead of Walcott.
Has a better goal-per-minute-ratio than any Arsenal player, and could be a great source of goals for Wenger.
CF – Sanchez
With 11 goals and 4 assists, the Chilean is set to lead Arsenal to glory this season.
He faces a very strong backline on Saturday, and how he fares will be key to Arsenal’s result.