Arsenal's Starting XI vs. Sporting Braga: Predicting the Starters

Arsenal will play their first midweek and European match of the season on Wednesday night as the commencement of the Gunners' Champions League campaign occurs. Arsene Wenger and his men are in-form and many expect Arsenal to dominant and top their group. Group H consists of the Gunners, Portuguese outfit Sporting Braga, Ukraine giants Shakhtar Donestk, and Serbian side FK Partizan.

It's a group that does make the Arsenal fans' mouths water as it could potentially be a stroll for Wenger's men, but it is not a competition to be taken lightly and complacently can cost even the best sides in the world.

Nonetheless, the encounter against a tough Braga side, who beat the likes of Seville andCeltic to reach the last 32 of Europe's best, gives the Gunners a chance to hone in on their flowing attack and allow the defence to become more organised.

Wenger also has the opportunity to blood some second string players albeit the complacency factor. But let's try to establish a starting XI for the Gunners.

Goalkeeper

Manuel Almunia has performed credibly in the opening fixtures which has provided some reassurances for fans. However, Wenger could use this midweek encounter to play deputy Lukasz Fabianski, who could thrive on some game time. 

Braga boast a talented front line, but a match like this could provide Fabianski with some much-needed confidence especially with an upcoming Carling Cup match against fierce rivals Tottenham.

Furthermore, Wenger could utilize one of his boom youngster shot stoppers in Vito Mannone or Wojciech Szczensy. However, it is likely to be between Almunia and Fabianski.

Defenders

In Arsenal's impressive 4-1 victory over Bolton on the weekend, Wenger gave Kieran Gibbs and Emmanuel Eboue starts over Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna. The Frenchman wanted to ensure there is stable fitness in the side and can rotate effectively. This should see Bacary Sagna return to right back and Clichy to the left flank.

The central roles are somewhat of a conundrum. Thomas Vermaelen missed the Bolton encounter due to an Achilles injury sustained on international duty. However, the Belgium centre half is expected to be fit and should start on the left-hand side leaving Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscienly contesting for the right central role.

The pair partnered one an other against the Trotter and despite a few shaky moments, performed assuringly. It looms likely that Koscienly will start. There is also still the matter of Johan Djourou, who should be back to full fitness by now, the Swiss could potentially make an appearance.

Midfielders

Captain Cesc Fabregas and Alexandre Song were superb against Owen Coyle's Bolton and should both retain their places. Fabregas will patrol the right central role and act as the usual, terrific orchestra of the Arsenal attack. Song will cover the defensive duties with ease.

The remaining place in the midfield is a open issue. Abou Diaby, Denilson, Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky, and Samir Nasir all vying for the role; however, Nasri and Rosicky may be utilized on the wing. Denilson came off the bench against Bolton and looked promising. Diaby is still under an injury cloud and potentially could not feature.

It is likely Wenger may choose Denilson on the left to enable the Samba star to regain fitness and experience. However, Jack Wilshere has looked solid.

Forwards

Andrei Arshavin had a shocking weekend missing a host of clear-cut chances. There is a high chance the Russian magician will lose his left wing role to Mexican Carlos Vela or Samir Nasri.

On the right wing, either Emmanuel Eboue or Tomas Rosicky are likely to receive the role. Rosicky has been in sensational form, creating a number of great attacks as well as look dangerous on goal.

With Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendnter still absent through niggling injuries, the highly impressive Marouane Chamakh will continue to lead the front line with strength and vigour.

Substitutes

The seven places on the bench are difficult to predict. If Wenger does opt to use Lukasz Fabianski, then Vito Mannone should receive the backup role. The non-starter out of Sebasiten Squillaci and Laurent Koscienly will be backup defender, along with Kieran Gibbs. 

In the midfield roles, the non-starters will be Abou Diaby, Denilson, Tomas Rosicky, and Jack Wilshere, barring Diaby's fitness. If Andrei Arshavin retains his spot, then Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Eboue should receive the remaining two; however, Carlos Vela could be an option.

Midweek games are always exciting encounters and it will be interesting to see how the Gunners fair against a relatively unknown Sporting Braga outfit.