What Would Wenger Starting XI Be with Podolski On-Board?

With Lukas Podolski reportedly on his way to the Emirates, Arsenal's starting lineup will need to be defined by Arsenal's manager, Arsene Wenger.

Of course, the season is long; teams will require a wealth of options that can be used for games of less importance or to rest a crucial player. Injuries could also play a role, and certainly have in recent seasons for Arsenal.

But, barring injuries and approaching a must-win game — such as a Champions League match — who would Wenger select for the starting XI if he had Podolski at his disposal?

Let's take a look.

Defense

Wojciech Szczęsny has done a good enough job this season to expect that he will return next season. So we'll slot him in as the keeper.

In the back four, Wenger will have a couple choices to make. Right-back Bacary Sagna has been arguably the best at his position in the entire league since returning from his broken leg; so it's a fair bet that Arsenal will make sure he's there next season.

Left-back is a source of some confusion, as there has been an abundance of injuries at the position this season. Full-backs Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos and Carl Jenkinson have all made appearances in the Gunners' starting XI, and all have suffered serious injuries.

Because Gibbs started the season at left-back, and is currently manning the position quite well, he gets the nod for next season's starting left-back.

At center-back, Wenger will have to decide who he prefers between the giant Per Mertesacker and the perhaps undersized Thomas Vermaelen. Mertesacker seemed to be his preference before suffering an ankle injury in February, taking him out of the side for over a month.

While Vermaelen is in fine form at the moment, Wenger will ultimately select Mertesacker to pair with the Frenchman Laurent Koscielny. Koscielny has been easily the most consistent defender for Arsenal this season, and has no doubt earned his place in next year's squad.

Midfield

Arsenal's new midfield man Mikel Arteta has been solid this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 23 matches. Nothing flashy, but he's been a vital cog, nonetheless. Pencil him in at left-central midfielder.

Likewise, Alex Song has been extremely useful through and through, providing seven assists from his role in the center of the park, along with one goal. However, his role could be lessened with the return of Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere.

If this team was assembling today, obviously Song would be the choice. But given that the Podolski move will not happen until this summer, Wilshere would likely be the choice. Place him at right-central midfielder; as long as his recovery goes to plan.

Right-attacking midfielder will be handed to Theo Walcott, as his worth and productivity has continued to increase this season. The Englishman has racked up five goals and a club-leading eight assists in his 27 appearances.

Left-attacking midfielder will depend on the continued development of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. If he takes a few long strides in his game before next season, we may see him starting far more matches. If not, Tomas Rosicky will not disappoint. His form has spiked this season, causing Arsenal to sign him to a new contract.

If not Rosicky or Oxlade-Chamberlain, it could be Lille's Eden Hazard, which would be exciting indeed. As he does not play for the Gunners at present, we'll say it's Rosicky.

Forwards

Robin van Persie has been the best player in the EPL this season. With his ferocious finishing and inspired passing, he leads the club in goals (by a massive margin) and is tied with Walcott for the lead in assists.

Despite rumors that RVP might leave the club when his contract expires in 2013, Arsene Wenger has claimed that Arsenal will not sell him. It appears he will be present on opening day next season, at least.

With his immense talent, he no doubt belongs in the starting XI of any team. But with two class forwards, combining their talents can be a difficult task.

I see van Persie playing behind Podolski, rather than beside him. RVP's vision and passing ability make him the perfect setup-man for Podolski, and his scoring ability makes him the ideal compliment to the German international.

Podolski, then, will play up front by himself. His pace and ability will give defenders plenty to think about, opening up room for the rest of the Arsenal attack. If defenders don't cover him properly, he will make them pay with his lethal finishing.

This 4-2-3-1 would serve Arsenal's possession-style of play well. With the plethora of midfield-men available, the Gunners could swing the ball around at will, awaiting their best opportunity.