Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI for Their Clash With Shakhtar Dontesk

In form, Arsenal travel to the heart of Ukraine to encounter the current kings of Ukraine, Shakhtar Donetsk, in their fourth match of Champions League Group H. The Gunners are in impressive form, boasting a five-game winning streak in all competitions. Arsene Wenger's men clashed with Donetsk in the last round of the Champions League, thrashing the Miners, 5-1.

However, the Gunners did boast home-ground advantage with the match being staged at the Emirates and one can be sure it won't be as straight forward at the Donbass Arena. Arsene Wenger and his men sit imposingly at the top of Group H with nine points from three games, Dontesk sit in second with six followed by Portrugese champions Sporting Braga in third on three points and Serbian outfit Partizan Belgrade with no points recorded.

Arsenal's European dominance enables Arsene Wenger to utilize fringe players alongside resting key men before a tough clash with a doughty Newcastle outfit on the weekend. None the less let's establish a starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Predominant first choice Manuel Almunia will continue his run on the sidelines thanks to an elbow injury sustained in September. However it comes as no dampener to Arsenal's fortunes as deputy Lukasz Fabianski has come of age and performed with assurance in the Spaniard's absence.

Boom youngster Wojciec Szczensy is set to deputize for Fabianski but the Polish shot-stopper, who impressed last week in the Carling Cup against Newcastle United, has voiced his frustration at lack of first team experience which could prompt Wenger to utilize the 20-year-old.

Defenders

Thomas Vermaelen is still absent due to a niggling Achilles injury sustained in September. Johan Djourou did not feature against West Ham on the weekend and is set to swap with Laurent Koscienly in the Arsenal backline.

Sebastien Squillaci will partner the imposing Swiss in the centre of defence whilst Gael Clichy will maintain his spot in the Arsenal XI at left back with English international Kieran Gibbs injured with a foot injury. Emmanuel Eboue is set to start at right back with Bacary Sagna rested to the bench.

Midfielders

Captain Cesc Fabregas is set to miss the trip to the Ukraine capital with a niggling hamstring injury. The Spaniard will be replaced by Tomas Rosicky as the right attacking midfielder. Jack Wilshere returns from a three-match suspension and is expected to be blooded straight into the Arsenal midfield in place of Denilson, who faces an injury cloud as it is.

Defensive midfielder Alexandre Song is also suffering from a calf injury and could miss the encounter. The injury could ensure Craig Eastmond receives a rare start in the Arsenal first team. Aaron Ramsey is still unfit.

Forwards

Theo Walcott, who recently returned to full fitness, is expected to start on the right wing and will undoubtedly torment the Donetsk defensive line. Nicklas Bendtner is also expected to start ahead of Marouane Chamakh as the lone striker. Andrei Arshavin faces a groin injury and is unlikely to start with Samir Nasri being utilized as an extra winger.

Robin van Persie is close to returning but is no chance to make the bench.

Substitutes

It is unclear whether Wenger will incorporate some of his highly touted youngsters onto his bench due to injuries and security. None the less, Wojciech Szczensy will deputize for Lukasz Fabianski whislt Laurent Koscienly and Bacary Sagna should be the back up defenders.

If fit, Denilson and Andrei Arshavin will be the back up attackers with Marouane Chamakh and Carlos Vela. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is set to replace Arshavin should the Russian dynamo fail to complete fitness whilst Henri Lansbury is ready for Denilson.