Predicting the Arsenal Starting 11 For Their Match Against Sporting Braga

Group H

	Teams	P	Pts
1	Arsenal	4	9
2	Shakhtar Donetsk	4	9
3	Braga	4	6
4	Partizan	4	0

Arsenal will look to diminish their shock loss to rivals Tottenham by securing qualification for the knockout stage of the prestigious Champions League. In order to do so, the Gunners will need to defeat a doughty Sporting Braga outfit at their ground of Estadio Axa.

The pair encountered each other in September at the Emirates for the second round of the Group Stages and it was Arsene Wenger's men who prevailed trouncing the Portuguese champions 6-0. However that was an Arsenal side full of confidence and form alongside boasting home ground advantage.

Braga will be desperate to beat the North London giants as a loss will signify their inability to qualify for the next round. Arsenal however currently sit top of Group H on nine points. Ukraine giants Shakhtar Donetsk are also on nine points but lack the goal scoring feats of their English rivals. Braga sit in third on six whilst Serbian kings FK Partizan are fourth without a point.

As usual Arsenal have numerous injury woes with Wenger looking to rest some key figures. None the less let's establish Wenger's starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Predominant first choice keeper Manuel Almunia has returned from a persistent elbow injury but is still a week short of match fitness. Deputy Lukasz Fabianski, who has been superb in the Spaniard's absent, will continue to start.

Boom youngster Wojciech Szczensy may be given a rare opportunity but it looms as an unlikely option. The Polish shot stopper is certain to be the back up keeper.

Defenders

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen is still suffering from a very persistent Achilles injury and will once again miss the encounter. The Belgium has not featured since August and his absent is beginning to hurt Arsenal considerably.

Laurent Koscienly was particularly dissapointing against Tottenhan and is destined to be demoted to the bench for the inform Johan Djourou. The Swiss will partner Sebastien Squillaci at the heart of the defence. The pair boast a solid partnership that provides much needed height to the Arsenal back line.

Bacary Sagna featured in the Gunners loss to Tottenham and is expected to be rested. Emmnauel Eboue has failed to feature consistently and should receive a start at right back. After missing a month through a knee injury, Kieran Gibbs is expected to make his first start since October at left back with Gael Clichy returning to the bench.

Midfielders

Captain Cesc Fabregas, whose infamous hand ball cost Arsenal three points against Tottenham, is expected to start as the right attacking midfielder with Alexandre Song the defensive midfielder.

Denilson is set to be demoted back to the substitutes after starting on the weekend. Jack Wilshere failed to feature against Spurs due to lack of fitness but is likely to start against SC Braga.

Abou Diaby is still injured with a worrying ankle injury, continuing his absence from October. Aaron Ramsey is expected to make a reserve appearance in the coming days after his horror leg break in which the Welshman suffered in February.

Forwards

Nicklas Bendtner last week stated he would leave the Emirates if not given consistent playing time. Arsene Wenger turned round and refused to put the Danish sharp shooter in his squad to face Tottenham. However the 22 year old is set to start against Braga after Marouane Chamakh was disappointing against Spurs.

Theo Walcott is expected to start on the right wing with Samir Nasri and Tomas Rosicky competing for the left wide role. Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin is expected to be rested to the bench. Dutch maestro Robin van Persie was a late substitute against Tottenham but still lacks essential fitness and should make a cameo off the bench. Marouane Chamakh will also be on the bench.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Wojciech Szczensy will be the back up keeper and Laurent Koscienly and Gael Clichy the back up defenders. Robin van Persie, Tomas Rosicky, Marouane Chamakh and Andrei Arshavin the back up attackers.

Despite the fixture an away one for the Gunners, Arsene Wenger remain favourite to continue the Frenchman's trend of never failing to advance furthere than the group stage.