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

Arsenal secured their first win of 2010/2011 with a crushing 6-0 victory over newly promoted Blackpool, who a week earlier had shocked England by defeating Wigan 4-0 in Wigan's backyard.

The Gunners were immense against the Seasiders, moving the ball superbly and showing their usual Wenger flair.

Now, Arsene Wenger and his men face the extremely tough and doughty Blackburn who are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Birmingham.

Sam Allardyce's men will prove worthy opponents for the Gunners; furthermore, the encounter takes place at the fierce Ewood park.

Arsenal are as usual battling injury problems with a number of key members absent.

However, Arsenal are boasting sufficient depth this season which ensures a relatively strong outfit will take to the pitch to attempt to defeat the Rovers.

Who should start for the Gunners?

Goalkeeper

Despite the rumours, Mark Schwarzer is still looking unlikely to arrive at the Emirates any time soon, which means Manuel Almunia will retain his place as the Arsenal No. 1.

The Spaniard was rarely challenged against Blackpool, but Blackburn will certainly be eager to impress their attack towards the shaky keeper.

Almunia will need to ensure he organises his defenders off set pieces as well as making proper decisions under the high ball.

Any lapses in concentration or costly errors will surely signify the end of his Arsenal career.

Lukasz Fabianski will be the likely deputy, with boom youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczensy both still awaiting Cup chances.

Defenders

Laurent Koscienly returns from suspension, which will prove as a real boost for the Gunners.

The Frenchman, who arrived from Lorient FC this Summer for £10 million, looked promising in his début against Liverpool on the opening weekend.

Koscienly will partner Thomas Vermaelen in the middle with Bacary Sagna on the right and Gael Clichy on the left.

There may be a slight chance that Kieran Gibbs is given a run but it does loom as unlikely.

Midfielders

Captain Cesc Fabregas has spent the first two encounters on the bench but is almost certain to make his first start of the season in the heart of the defence.

This will be a huge prospect for the Gunners as it will surely see the Arsenal attack regain their natural flow and vigour, as well as the desired leadership it currently lacks.

Alexandre Song was utilized as a centre back last week due to Koscienly's absence but should be reinstated to the midfield in the defensive role.

Song's presence will be vital against a physical outfit like Blackburn, as the Rovers will look to shake Arsenal up through the middle.

The remaining midfield position could go to either Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere, or Tomas Rosicky.

Teenage sensastion Wilshere performed assuringly in the first two encounters, showing great composure and an impressive passing range.

However, it is likely that inform Rosicky will be given the nod, as the Czech has been highly dominant in his recent performances.

The former Borussia Dortmand midfielder has overcome his injury problems admirably and is starting to return to his former self.

However, if Wenger opts to utilize Song in the defence once again, Diaby will take the defensive duties instead of the likely circumstance of being named on the bench.

Forwards

A difficult choice for Wenger as he has a quality, in-form array of forwards to choose from. On the wings one would expect Theo Walcott to retain his role on the right after a brilliant effort against Blackpool, in which he netted a hat trick.

Andrei Arshavin could start on the left, but Wenger could be inclined to start Robin van Persie. The talismanic striker is back to full fitness and may be given a start.

Marouane Chamakh has been fantastic as the lone striker, and one couldn't expect Wenger to not start the in-form Moroccan.

If van Persie and Chamakh are given starts, then it will be interesting to see the pair interact with one another. Both are expected to become the key frontmen this season, and both boast phenomenal talent and a deadly eye for goal.

Substitutes

With seven places, another difficult choice is set to be made for Wenger. Lukasz Fabianski will have the deputy role with Johan Djourou and Kieran Gibbs as the defenders unless Wenger uses Song as a defender, then Koscienly would be given a bench role.

If Song is in the midfield, then whoever doesn't start out off Diaby, Wilshere, and Rosicky will be given respective spots.

Carlos Vela and Emmanuel Eboue should have roles alongside the player who doesn't start out of van Persie, Arshavin, and Walcott on the wings.

A tough game for the Gunners, but these sort of encounters are must-wins if Arsenal want to challenge for the Premier League title.