Who Should Start When Arsenal Take on FC Porto in the Champions League?

Arsenal are preparing for what could potentially be their last chance for a trophy. The Gunners take on Portuguese giants Porto in the fourth round first leg of the Champions League. A competition Arsenal have failed to win. It is a big match for Arsene Wenger and his men because a loss could ultimately mean the end of Arsenal silverware chances for 2009/2010.

Porto are in good form and with the first leg home ground advantage it will undoubtedly be a tough encounter for the North Londoners. So Who should start?

Goalkeeper 

Manuel Almunia had a relatively good showing against Liverpool which should justify his place in the starting XI. Lukasz Fabianski will play back up on the bench whilst Vito Mannone will have to stick to the reserves. 

Defenders

Expect Wenger to play his routine, dominant back four. Bacary Sagna should have the right flank covered whilst William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen should have the centre half roles. Despite his recent ill form, Clichy seems to have his confidence returning and will certainly take his left back role.

Midfielders

Arsenal could be hit with a devastating blow if Alexandre Song fails to recover from a ligament injury. The Cameroon midfielder picked up a knock against Liverpool and could be in doubt for the midweek clash. This would come as a huge hazard as Song has been such a force this season.

The 23 year old has been terrific in the central defensive role, cutting down attacks with ease. If Song is unable to appear the Diaby would most likely move to the defensive role with either Denilson, who is currently struggling for form, or youngster Aaron Ramsey. 

Cesc Fabregas will captain and take his usual midfielding role. Hopefully the Spanish maestro can pull another one of his glorious performances.

Forwards

Andrei Arshavin is another who could be in doubt as he also picked up a knock against Liverpool. This could severely hamper the Arsenal attack. Without the Russian performing down the left flank, Samir Nasri will swap sides whilst Tomas Rosicky will come in on the right.

After performing so strongly and giving much needed strength and physicality upfront against Liverpool, lanky Dane Nicklas Bendtner should receive the main striker role. The Danish sharpshooter will need to ensure he offers a reliable target upfront and contributes well in attack.

Substitutes 

With seven places on the subs bench, Lukasz Fabianski takes the goalkeeping role whilst Sol Campbell and Emmanuel Eboue should get the back up defenders. Aaron Ramsey or Denilson in the midfielder role. With Eduardo, Theo Walcott, and Carlos Vela as the reserve forwards.