Arsenal Season Debate: Who Should Start When the Gunners Face Blackpool?

After playing out a somewhat scrappy and uneventful 1-1 draw against rivals Liverpool in their opening game of the 2010-11 English Premier League season, Arsenal now face newly promoted Blackpool, who stunned England by inflicting a whopping 4-0 defeat on Wigan in the Latics backyard.

Many will expect a routine Arsenal win, but it is looming as a tough challenge against the Seasiders.

The season is still young, and yet Arsenal have already been decimated by the injury bug. Wenger could potentially be without captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas once again, and with the news that Samir Nasri will be absent for at least a month with a knee injury, furthered by the lack of fitness from Denilson, Arsenal are low on numbers.

Fabregas is still a chance to play, but new boy Laurent Koscienly is out due to the red card he received in his début. In what should be an entertaining, physical fixture, can Arsenal conquer in their first home game of the season?

Let's look at who should start.

Goalkeeper

Despite a shaky performance against the Reds, Manuel Almunia should retain his place at the front of the helm. Albeit their is heavy rumours Mark Schwarzer is set to join the Gunners shortly, even so, the Spaniard will keep his spot for this encounter.

Deputy Lukasz Fabianski may be given a shock call up, but it is unlikely with Wenger inclined to use Almunia's leadership and experience. Boom youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny will await their opportunities.

Defenders

With Laurent Koscienly missing, Johan Djourou is likely to receive his first start of 2010-11. The Swiss centre half has had a torrid time with injury in recent years, but is fighting fit and will look to cement a place in the Arsenal XI.

The rest of the backline should remain routine, with Bacary Sagna at right back, Thomas Vermaelen partnering Djourou in the middle, and Gael Clichy on the left. 

Midfielders 

This is a tough choice for Wenger with the amount of injuries.

Should Cesc Fabregas be rushed in to replace Samir Nasri, the midfield will be duly boosted with leadership, skill, and flair. However if the Spaniard fails to fulfill fitness levels, then expect Abou Diaby to start in Fabregas' attacking midfield role. 

Alexandre Song is set to return from a calf injury, which saw him miss the Liverpool clash. This will provide huge relief for the North London fans, as the Cameroon midfielder was an outstanding performer last season and his defensive midfield work is truly invaluable. The 23-year-old's presence should see a more physical Arsenal side.

Young gun Jack Wilshere may also start if Cesc Fabregas is absent. If not, then Diaby will shift to the left. Wilshere made his first Premier League start against Liverpool last week and put in an assured cameo.

There is also Tomas Rosicky, who was outstanding for the Gunner last week coming of the bench and almost single handedly gave Arsenal a win. Wenger may opt to once again use the Czech of the bench or start him ahead of Wilshere, pending Fabregas's fitness.

Forwards

The two wing roles will also cause headaches for Wenger. Andrei Arshavin offered a lacklustre performance on the left, and Wenger could utilize Carlos Vela, Jay Emmanuel, or Henri Lansbury. On the right, Emmanuel Eboue and Theo Walcott will battle it out for the starting berth, with Eboue likely to win out.

The fitness of star forward Robin van Persie still remains under a cloud. The Dutchman picked up an injury whilst at the World Cup with the runners-up, and was unable to start against Liverpool. Expect van Persie to remain on the bench, but make a late introduction. 

This should mean new boy Marouane Chamakh, who looked strong in his début, will start once more. The Moroccan provided the Gunners with the much needed physical presence up front they desire, as well as offering an impressive crossing target. 

Nicklas Bendtner is still out with injury.

Substitutes

The first of the seven spaces should be filled by Lukasz Fabianski as back up keeper and Kieran Gibbs as the back up defender. Pending on Fabregas's fitness, it should see Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky take the bench and Carlos Vela and Theo Walcott as the wingers with Robin van Persie at the unfit striker.

This should be a scintillating clash which fans hope will result in Arsenal first win of 2010-11.