Today is a special day for Gooners all over the world since Arsenal take on AC Milan at San Siro in the first-leg of the last 16 in UEFA Champions league. With the return leg at the Emirates an away win would put us in strong position to move into the quarter finals.
Arsenal it could probably be one of the toughest test since the back to back hard-fought wins in Premier League. Rossoneri come into the game with a hard-fought win against Udinese, who we played in the play-off's. So it would be an interesting game to watch for football fans from both sides.
Team selection would be a bit of surprise by Wenger today since all three position need rotations after the tough game against Sunderland last week. With Per out atleast for a month, Wenger could either call in Djourou to partner with Koscielny or play Verminator in his preferred position. I feel Koscielny and Verminator could keep Ibra and Robinho quiet today. With Sagna's arrival to full fitness Wenger has one thing less to worry about and Gibbs mentally and 'physically' fit would be a default choice. I wouldn't want Wenger to take a huge gamble on Gibbs, who has not played a competitive game after recovery which could extend his lay-off. I wish Wenger play's Verminator at LB and Djourou in the middle or shift Sagna to LB and impressive Coquelin at RB.
Mid-field could choose itself with Song and Arteta anchoring the middle and Ramsey playing upfront. Theo Walcott would choose himself at right wing and Arshavin in the left with captain fantastic RVP as the lone striker. Though one could say Ox should start ahead of the little Russian, i feel Arshavin has more experience in Europe than young Alex and he could be lethal as an impact substitute. Considering Alex has played for 70mins against Sunderland in one of the worst pitches in England, it would be better to give Russian the start. So my team selection would be,
Coquelin/Sagna - Koscielny - Verminator - Gibbs/Sagna
Song - Arteta
Ramsey
Walcott - Robin Van Persie - Arshavin
I am going for a 2-1 Arsenal win provided the pitch is good and referee is fair in his job !
