Predicting the Starting XI for Arsenal in Their Match Against Shakhtar Donetsk

Arsenal will encounter Ukraine giants Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League tomorrow night, with Arsene Wenger and his men hoping to complete three wins from three in their Group H.

The Gunners have already beaten Portuguese kings Sporting Braga 6-0 and Serbian champions Partizan Belgrade 3-1, ensuring the North London giants stand tall at the top of the group.

However, the Ukraine champions have also beaten Braga and Belgrade respectively ensuring they sit second with equal points as Arsenal. However goal difference separates one another. Arsenal boast home-ground advantage with the game staged at the Emirates but it will be by know means an easy task for the Gunners.

The Miners play a fast, aggressive brand of football and will look to catch Arsenal predominantly on the counter attack. Many predict these two will progress to the next stage of the competition so it is vital the Gunners look to get the all important strangle hold on the group.

Nonetheless, let's predict Arsenal's starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Questions remain over first-choice keeper Manuel Almunia's fitness, but deputy Lukasz Fabianski, who has deputized for the last three matches with much success, will have no problems filling in. The Polish shot-stopper has performed impressively in recent weeks with no glaring errors and showing great hands. Almunia is unlikely to appear despite Wenger admitting the Spaniard was a slight chance.

Wojciech Szczensy will have the back-up role whilst Vito Mannone has departed to Hull City on a short term loan.

Defenders

The defensive ranks have been severely decimated by injury with Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscienly and Bacary Sagna all still absent. Emmanuel Eboue will continue to deputize for Sagna at right back whilst Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou, who both played against Birmingham City on the weekend, will start as the centre halves.

Kieran Gibbs is likely to receive a start with Gael Clichy likely to be rested after contributing heavily against Birmingham City.

Midfielders

The Arsenal midfield could be bolstered by the return of captain and maestro Cesc Fabregas, who has been absent for over a month with a hamstring injury. However, the Spaniard's fitness is under concern and may be forced to start from the bench.

Denilson is expected to start regardless having not played since Arsenal's Carling Cup encounter with rivals Tottenham in September. Despite receiving a straight red card against Birmingham City, young gun Jack Wilshere is still eligible to play due to the match being a European fixture.

Wilshere is expected to start alongside Denilson and Alexandre Song, who will hold the defensive midfield duties as per usual.

Forwards

Robin van Persie is still short of fitness whilst Nicklas Bendtner is unlikely to start having just return. This ensures the inform Marouane Chamakh will continue to lead the front line with Samir Nasri on the right wing. Arsene Wenger is set to rest Andrei Arshavin, the Russian has hit a form drop and is expected to return for the Manchester City match this weekend.

Tomas Rosicky is expected to start, but speedster Theo Walcott has regained fitness form an ankle injury sustained on international duty with England, and could be a surprise starter on the right wing with Nasri shifting to the left.

Substitutes

The seven places on the substitutes bench should be covered by Wojciech Szczensy as the back-up keeper and Gael Clichy the back-up defender. Abou Diaby, Cesc Fabregas, unless fit enough to start, Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela and Theo Walcott the remaining attackers.

So a tantalizing clash for the Gunners, one which will definitely test their worth and fitness, a win against Donetsk will all but seal confirmation into the last 16 whilst a loss will see them drop to second.