Who Should Arsenal Start Against Birmingham City?

After impressively overcoming West Ham with 10 men, Arsenal now have a tougher challenge to deal with.

The Gunners face in-form Birmingham City.

Alex McLeish's side have been the underdog team of the season, defying odds to have a healthy place on the top side of the table.

Arsenal are forced to travel to Saint Andrew. A place that has turned into a fortress for the Blues.

Arsenal cannot afford any slip ups in their race to the Premier League title but thankfully Arsene Wenger's men boast form and confidence.

So who should start for the Gunners?

Goalkeeper

After a sensational performance against the Hammers, Manuel Almunia will have high hopes.

The Spaniard will take first-choice keeper as usual and Lukasz Fabianski will deploy the back-up role.

Defence

Arsenal are in a bit of a struggle with their two dominant centre halves both missing.

William Gallas has been absent for a number of weeks through a calf injury whilst Thomas Vermaelen has been forced to sit out of the Birmingham encounter due to his sending-off against West Ham.

This ensures Sol Campbell keeps his spot and Alexandre Song looks the favorite to take Vermaelen's place.

The Cameroon midfield filled-in when Vermaelen was controversially removed and performed strongly.

Song is easily Arsenal most improved and consistent player this campaign and will look to continue his neat form against the Blues.

Furthermore, the midweek Champions League clash with Spanish giants Barcelona means right back Bacary Sagna is likely to be rested with Emmanuel Eboue taking his place.

Wenger may even opt to rest Gael Clichy at left back and blood youngster Armand Traore or veteran Mikael Silvestre into action.

Midfielders

The midweek encounter will undoubtedly be playing on Wenger's mind.

However, we should see Cesc Fabregas in his usual midfielding role whilst Abou Diaby will take Song's defensive duties and Denilson will play around the left.

But if the Frenchman is concerned for midweek, Tomas Rosicky could take Diaby's place and Denilson would shift to the defensive role.

Forwards

Nicklas Bendtner suffered an injury scare against West Ham last week but is set to be all clear to perform against Birmingham.

The Dane should take the main striking role with Andrei Arshavin on the left.

Samir Nasri should feature on the right but Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, and Eduardo could all intervene.

Substitutes

The seven places on Wenger's bench should be occupied by Lukasz Fabianski in the keeper role, Mikael Silvestre, Tomas Rosicky, Eduardo Da Silva, Bacary Sagna, Theo Walcott, and Craig Eastmond.

This will be a tough encounter for the Gunners that will test whether or not they're capable of challenging for the Premier League title.