Arsenal News: Who Do You Prefer, Gael Clichy or Kieran Gibbs?

The beginning of the Premier League season is little over a week away and fans cannot wait to witness another thrilling season. With clubs richer and a host of new, quality, overseas players joining the best league in world football, 2010/2011 is sure to be a thrilling campaign.

Arsenal are certainly one team to watch. The Gunners have failed to secure silverware for the last five seasons and fans are growing increasingly impatient. However Arsene Wenger boys have matured greatly and are now men, capable of carving up the English league.

Despite few signings and a number of experienced heads released, the North London side still boast a formidable, young line up capable of dominating. As per usual Wenger will ensure Arsenal play a fast, flowing attack that boast handfuls of goals as well as great entertainment.

Furthermore Wenger's side has looked more than impressive in the pre season build up and signings Laurent Koscienly and Marouane Chamakh look to have added much needed strength and power in both defence and attack.

One thing is definite however and that is fitness. Arsenal must make sure their key players maintain healthy fitness levels especially in the forwards and midfield. Albeit the Gunners boast tremendous depth with their youngsters but if injuries occur to key players than experience and leadership will be raw in the Arsenal first XI.

Anther prospect Arsenal will look to thrive in is the consistency in their play, defence and attack as well as in their line up. Wenger will hope to keep a flowing roster that does not consist of heavy changes.

One position that the Frenchman always, since arriving at Arsenal, has covered superbly is the left back slot. This season is no different. Currently applying for the first choice left back role are Armand Traore, Kieran Gibbs and Gael Clichy.

Clichy has held the role since 2006 although injuries have enabled for Gibbs and Traore to receive adequate opportunities. Young gun Traore is set to be given a more attacking role this season or possibly a loan spell which leaves Gibbs and Clichy battling for the top job.

Who Do You Prefer? 

1.Gael Clichy

The Frenchman has been a relatively consistent performer for the Gunners in recent season, reaching the PFA Team Of The Year in 2008. However last season injuries hampered the 25 year old as well as lapses in confidence.

Blessed with surging speed and a lethal cross, Clichy is a handy attacker. However the former Cannes defender has a tendency to be caught out of position and lose the ball in vital situations prompting serious pressure on the Arsenal back line. Despite being one of the best left backs in Europe his defending can leave allot to be desired.

None the less Clichy is blazing with experience and is also a real leader in the young Arsenal squad and unless he dramatically drops in form it seems unlikely "Gael" would lose the top job.

2.Kieran Gibbs

Primarily a central midfielder in his youth, Wenger opted to utilized the English youngster as a left back in 2008 and the change benefit the Gunners greatly. Then when Clichy suffered a serious injury in early 2009, Gibbs stepped up and performed out of his skin particularly in the Champions League against some of Europe best.

Sadly last campaign the 20 year old suffered a broken metatarsal and missed nearly all of the season. Thankfully Gibbs is now fighting fit and has performed assuringly in the pre season fixtures. 

Although it is unlikely that the former Norwich loanee will be thrusted into the first choice left back role, he will be given chances early on and with some strong efforts could easily repalce Clichy.

Gibbs possess great control and speed as well as a sturdy tackle. As well as being versatile and young, the English U-21 star also has impressive awareness and skill.

A pre season debate that will have all contemplating. So who do you prefer?