Arsenal FC Predictions: How Arsenal Might Line Up Next Season

The 2011-12 season is nearly over, and after a miserable start to the season, Arsenal find themselves back in familiar territory.

But while a top-four finish is necessary for Arsenal, Gooners really want Arsene Wenger and company to compete for titles.

Depending on the team's summer signings, a title push could be possible next season. It's still too early to tell, but here's a guess at how Arsenal might line up next season.

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

No drama here. Wojciech Szczesny has established himself as Arsenal's No. 1, much to the chagrin of poor spellers everywhere.

The 22-year-old Polish keeper joined Arsenal in 2009 and is becoming one of the league's most dependable stoppers.

If Arsenal do sustain a title challenge next season, Szczesny will be a big reason for that.

Central Defense: Partnership Flourishing?

Thomas Vermaelen entered the current season as a fan favorite—and for good reason.

The 26-year-old Belgian impressed almost immediately after his move from Ajax in 2009, and his combination of defending and attacking prowess has made him one of the league's top defenders.

Laurent Koscielny was another story. Koscielny, 26, was a question mark at the start of the season. But after a string of strong performances, he has established himself as Arsenal's first-choice partner for Vermaelen.

Per Mertesacker will return from injury, and he'll provide valuable cover in central defense. Ajax's Jan Vertonghen has been linked with a move to North London, and his arrival could also change the formation.

But for now, Vermaelen and Koscielny form Arsenal's top partnership.

Fullbacks: No Injuries, Please

Arsenal suffered miserable luck with fullbacks this season. Name an Arsenal fullback—he was injured at some point.

Speaking of names, though, the Gunners have some good ones available when everybody's healthy.

On the right, Bacary Sagna is a clear first choice. On the left, the starting spot should go to Kieran Gibbs.

Midfielders: Jack's Back

Jack Wilshere's anticipated return from long-term injury will feel almost like a new signing for Arsenal.

Wilshere, who is still only 20, was one of England's most exciting young talents before an ankle injury ruled him out for the 2011-12 season.

Assuming he finally recovers, Wilshere should slot in as an attacking midfielder in Arsene Wenger's 4-3-3 (or 4-5-1, depending on how you look at it) formation.

Elsewhere, Alex Song and summer 2011 signing Mikel Arteta have formed a strong partnership in the holding midfield this season. The question is whether or not Wenger will keep Song, Arteta and Wilshere on the field at the same time.

Tomas Rosicky, who has enjoyed a career Renaissance in the second half of this season, would provide depth, as would Aaron Ramsey.

Wingers and Forwards: Familiar Faces and a New One

Up top, Robin van Persie serves as the focus of Arsenal's attack. Whether it's wishful thinking or not, I believe RvP will line up for the Gunners again next season.

Joining him could be German international Lukas Podolski, who reportedly is set to sign this summer. Podolski can play as a striker or line up on the left, so it will be interesting to see where Wenger plays him—if Podolski does indeed sign.

On the right, Theo Walcott figures to retain his starting place. But teen prodigy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should keep progressing and could challenge for a starting spot.

Putting It All Together

Plenty will depend on summer signings, but here's a guess at Arsenal's first-choice starting lineup next season.

The formation is a 4-3-3—or 4-5-1, depending on how you define the attacking players.

For our purposes, I'll opt for a three-man midfield diamond, with Arteta and Song filling the holding roles and Wilshere in the more advanced position behind the strikers.

Szczesny; Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Song, Wilshere; Podolski, Walcott, van Persie.

What's your predicted formation?

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