EPL Preview: Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI Against Blackpool

After three successive, lethargic draws that have almost effectively concluded Arsenal's English Premier League title chances, the Gunners have another opportunity to renew their ambitions when Wenger's men encounter Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

The North London giants have not secured victory in the EPL since February when they beat Stoke City 1-0, since then draws against Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn.

Granted, Arsenal have been decimated with injuries, which have played a major factor in the Gunners recent demise, which resulted in Wenger's men losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham, elimination from the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup and of course their winless EPL streak.

But Blackpool provide Arsenal with the opportunity to play against a less physical, attacking side. After weeks of tentative, defensive outfits that restrict the Gunners flowing attack, Wenger's men will be eager to return to their devastating form. The sides met in August with the Gunners thrashing the Seasiders 6-0 but Ian Holloway's men were reduced to 10 men.

Blackpool have not secured victory in four EPL attempts but have been known to cause trouble for the bigger sides with victories over Tottenham, Liverpool and Sunderland.

The newly promoted side is certain to go all out against the Gunners as they fight tirelessly to avoid relegation. Blackpool are one point outside the relegation zone in 17th place and a loss could almost certainly ensure the Seasiders drop into the danger area.

It is do or die for most teams but the hunger of Arsenal would have most critics backing the North London giants as anything short of a victory officially ends there EPL title chances. This would ensure another trophy absent season for the sixth successive campaign.

Let's predict Arsenal's starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Another difficult decision for Wenger, as the Frenchman is forced to decide whether to use Manuel Almunia or Jens Lehman as the first choice shotstopper.

Injuries to Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny has ensured Wenger is down to the very depth of his goalkeeping ranks, but who he will choose remains to be seen.

Almunia has looked far from convincing in recent outings, whilst Lehman has shown improvement in two reserve outings. One would expect Almunia to maintain his place as the first choice with Lehman on the substitutes bench.

Defenders

Arsenal will continue to be without defensive leaders Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou.

Vermaelen has been absent since August with an Achilles injury and will not feature for the remainder of the campaign.

Djourou on the other hand is expected to return in the coming weeks but will miss the encounter with Blackpool, as the Swiss continues to nurse a shoulder injury sustained in March.

This ensures French duo Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny will continue to partner one another in the centre half.

At right back the ever present Bacary Sagna will start alongside Gael Clichy, whose future at the Emirates is under concern, at left back. This forms an all French defensive line.

Young gun Igansi Miguel will receive a back up position on the bench, whilst deputy full backs Emmanuel Eboue and Kieran Gibbs compete for the final defensive substitute spot.

English international Gibbs is likely to win out, however Wenger may refuse to have a spare full back on the bench due to attacking depth.

Midfielders

Arsenal have the luxury of the full fitness of all three prominent starting midfielders with captain Cesc Fabregas, renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song and teenage sensation Jack Wilshere all fit and set to start in a midfield three.

However, Welsh international Aaron Ramsey and Samba star Denilson will both miss the clash due to injury. Both are short term casualties with Ramsey a slight groin complaint and Denilson a toe injury. This ensures Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky are unscathed for positions on the bench.

In other news, highly touted youngster Emmanuel Frimpong made his comeback from a serious ligament injury succumbed at the beginning of the season.

The Ghanain youngster was set to be a presence in the Arsenal first team before injury intervened. However, the 19-year-old completed 20 minutes in a reserve outing against Sunderland and is on course for a strong return.

Forwards

Dynamo Theo Walcott made his return from an ankle injury against Blackburn and looks set to bolster the Arsenal attack on the right wing once again. The Englishman's speed and balance will be integral in the Gunner's push for victory.

On the left wing, French playmaker Samir Nasri will continue to dominate and the Frenchman will enjoy playing against the less physical Blackpool. However, Wenger may look to utilize Walcott as more of an impact substitution and start Russian magician Andrei Arshavin, who is showing signs of returning to form, on the right wing.

As the lone striker, Robin van Persie is destined to keep his place despite the presence of Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh. There have been calls for Chamakh to receive more playing time as the Frenchman has somewhat neglected his Moroccan sharpshooter.

Both will receive bench roles however and are set to feature.

Substitutions

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Jens Lehman is certain to be the Arsenal deputy keeper, whilst Ignasi Miguel and possibly Kieran Gibbs the emergency defenders.

Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Nicklas Bendtner, Andrei Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh will become the Arsenal attackers from the bench.

A difficult task for Arsenal but one they really should win, if not, then Wenger's integrity once again comes into question.