Picking an Attacking Arsenal XI to Overcome Monaco in the Champions League

Arsenal will have to produce a remarkable performance if they are to overcome Monaco and qualify for the next round of the Champions League. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners must score at least three times in the principality to avoid being eliminated. 

That means Arsenal have to go for it. In this piece, we name an XI with the attacking potential to produce a memorable comeback. 

Goalkeeper

After the FA Cup win at Old Trafford, David Ospina was restored to the lineup for the win over West Ham United. With a comfortable clean sheet behind him, the Colombian is almost certain to continue between the sticks at Stade Louis II.

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Defence

After being rested against West Ham, Hector Bellerin will come back into the side to offer an injection of pace on the flanks.

At left-back, Arsene Wenger must choose between Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs. Although Gibbs has generally been regarded as the superior attacker of the pair, Monreal is in outstanding form and recently scored against Manchester United. If he is sufficiently recovered from another 90 minutes against the Hammers, the Spaniard should start. 

In the centre of defence, Laurent Koscielny is a certain starter. The identity of his partner is less certain: in the first leg, Per Mertesacker’s lack of pace was cruelly exposed by Monaco’s efficient counter-attacking game.

Gabriel Paulista has only just recommenced full training after a hamstring strain, but he has the recovery speed required to allow Arsenal to push on in search of goals. 

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If the Brazilian is fit enough, he will be named ahead of the giant German.

Midfield

Francis Coquelin is guaranteed a place. His combative displays have made him integral to the Arsenal midfield.

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He’s likely to be partnered by Aaron Ramsey, who was superb in the victory over West Ham. Ramsey not only adds physicality to a midfield that was a little overrun in the first leg, but he also has the movement and finishing ability to provide a genuine goal threat.

Ahead of that powerful pair, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla will be deployed as interchanging playmakers. Neither player is particularly comfortable on the flank, so they will most likely rotate in the No. 10 role over the course of the 90 minutes. Monaco are likely to sit deep and protect their lead, so Arsenal will need these ingenious schemers to help break down their parsimonious defence. 

Attack

Having been substituted after an hour of Arsenal’s win over West Ham, Alexis Sanchez should be raring to go against Monaco. He’s certain to fill one of the wide berths, with license to cut inside and create havoc with his dribbling skill.

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At the point of the Arsenal attack will be Olivier Giroud, desperately seeking redemption after his disastrous performance in the first leg. The Frenchman missed a succession of chances at the Emirates Stadium but has responded well with three goals in his subsequent three starts. 

Possible Arsenal XI vs. Monaco

In Reserve

After his profligate showing against West Ham, Theo Walcott will have to be content with a place on the substitutes' bench. He will be joined there by Danny Welbeck, who will be on hand to provide an injection of energy and movement if required.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.