EPL Preview: Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI vs. Blackburn Rovers

After enduring a horrid month of football before a timely international break, Arsenal return to action in the English Premier League, encountering a doughty Blackburn Rovers outfit.

After losing the Carling Cup Final, elimination from the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup, as well as losing ground on EPL leaders Manchester United, all in the space of little over a month, Arsene Wenger's men have a great chance to reinstate their presence onto World Football and get their last remaining title bid back on track.

However it won't be easy; the last few weeks have demoralized the young Gunners outfit but to be fair to Wenger's squad, during their recent slide, several key players were absent due to injuries.

The question is though, can Arsenal rally and retrieve their predominantly superb attack?

Arsenal haven't secured a win in their last four encounters, in all competitions and anything less than a win could ultimately reveal the end of their EPL title challenge, ensuring there trophy drought continues for the sixth straight season.

Blackburn aren't exactly in form either; Rovers have not secured a win in their last seven and are threatened by the relegation zone.  

Steve Kean's job is also under debate, and being currently in 13th place, are only a point outside the drop, Blackburn will be desperate for a victory.

Can Arsenal prevail?

Let's predict the starting XI for the Gunners:

Goalkeeper

Arguably the biggest selection headache for Wenger. Does the Frenchman keep faith in the struggling Manuel Almunia or grant recently signed veteran Jens Lehman his first Arsenal fixture since departing the club in 2008?

Since predominant first choice keepers Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski succumbed to injuries, Almunia has struggled at the front of the helm, particularly in the Gunners most recent outing, a 2-2 all draw with West Bromwich Albion, where the Spaniard made a calamitous error resulting in the Baggies second goal.

Lehman has been signed by Wenger as an emergency keeper to instil experience and depth into the Arsenal squad. However the German veteran was far from impressive when Arsenal reserves took on Wigan Reserves earlier in the week.

This provides Wenger with a difficult task which Almunia is likely to win out, Lehman will take the bench.

Defenders

Arguably the main factor in Arsenal's title challenge.

Can the injury tainted Arsenal back line sustain adequate composure to see off rival attacks?

With defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen injured for the season after an Achilles injury sustained in August and key central defender Johan Djourou not expected to return until May, the Gunners defensive depth is frail.

The much maligned Sebastien Squillaci will be forced to feature beside Laurent Koscielny in the centre of defensive, forming an all French back line. Bacary Sagna will, as expected, start at right back, whilst Gael Clichy will start on the left.

Deputizing the fullbacks are English international Kieran Gibbs and Ivorian Emmanuel Eboue, however there is likely to be only one place available on the Arsenal bench, which is likely to go to Gibbs. Boom youngster Ignasi Miguel will also receive a bench role as a back up centre half.

Midfielders

The Arsenal midfield was distraught with injuries over the last month which played an integral role in Arsenal's poor play.

However the Gunners will be immensely boosted by the return of key figures. Captain Cesc Fabregas is set to return after a hamstring injury sustained against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. Furthermore renowned defensive leader Alexandre Song should also return from a knee injury.

The duo will partner teenage sensation Jack Wilshere in a midfield trio, ensuring a full strength midfield.

Imposing Frenchman Abou Diaby is set to return to full fitness after a minor knee injury but is likely to only make the bench alongside Tomas Rosicky.

Samba star Denilson is likely to miss out due to recent poor form, and young maestro Aaron Ramsey could also miss out too.

Forwards

Robin van Persie received a thigh strain during international duty with the Netherlands and could miss the Blackburn encounter.

The Dutchman is certain to make the bench however but it could ensure Moroccan star Marouane Chamakh receives a rare start which could prove tremendously beneficial.

On the right wing French play maker Samir Nasri will continue to dominate whilst Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin is likely to start on the left.

Question remains over sharpshooter Nicklas Bendtner's fitness but the Dane should also make the substitutes bench.

Furthermore Theo Walcott, whose absence since February has eroded a big hole in Arsenal's attack, could be in line for a return from an ankle injury, but currently it appears unlikely.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Jens Lehman is likely to be the back up keeper with Ignasi Miguel and Kieran Gibbs deputizing defenders.

Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby and Aaron Ramsey are set to be the midfield substitutes with Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner impact forwards.

A tough game for the Gunners but one fans and critics alike expect Wenger's men to win.