Arsenal FC: Predicting the Gunners Lineup for 2011-12
The 2011 summer transfer window started with Denilson and Bendtner handing in transfer requests and Wenger accepting them.
Charlton Athletic's young Carl Jenkinson was signed. Following that transaction, the transfer window has been pretty dull for the Gunners, with just rumours floating around of various players set to join the club and some set to leave it.
At this point in time, let's predict how Arsene Wenger will line up the Gunners for the 2011-12 season.
Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
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The young Pole has been a revelation this season, in the absence of Fabianski (due to injury) and Almunia (who is out due to some illness). In this transfer window, with Wenger not interested in signing a goalkeeper thus far, Szczesny will have a chance to fight for the No.1 position.
Almunia seems to be way down in the pecking order for Wenger, with disappointing performances in the last season.
Backup: Lukasz Fabianski
On his way out: Manuel Almunia(mostly)
Center Backs: Thomas Vermaelen and Samba/Cahill
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Wenger has been on the lookout for experienced defenders and has been linked with Gary Cahill and Christopher Samba. With Vermaelen returning to full fitness, if Wenger signs either one of them the defense will get consolidated.
Backup: Johann Djourou, Laurent Koscielny (although I would prefer Wenger to rotate the defenders often as these two are also good)
Youth Players: Kyle Bartley, Ignasi Miquel, Carl Jenkinson
On his way out: Sebastien Squillaci(mostly)
Left Back: Keiran Gibbs
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With Gael Clichy turning down a contract offered by Arsenal, he may be on his way out in this transfer window. Gibbs seems to be the replacement for Clichy in the current squad.
Thomas Vermaelen has some experience as a left back and may be used as one also. With Gibbs being injury-prone, and Vermaelen being the preferred Center Back, Wenger may be forced to sign a left back.
On their way out: Gael Clichy(mostly)
Transfer Rumours: Jose Enrique, Jan Vertonghen
Right Back: Bacary Sagna
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Sagna has been a regular on Wenger's starting lineup, except for a few matches when he was carded or injured. So everyone would expect to retain his position with Eboue acting as a backup.
Backup: Emmanuel Eboue, Carl Jenkinson
Defensive Midfield: Alex Song
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Alex Song had a successful last season and formed a solid defensive midfield. His impact was so great that when he was absent due to injuries, the Gunners were unable to defend well.
Wenger will surely be looking for another defensive midfield as Song may miss a few matches while on national duty.
Backup: Abou Diaby
Transfer Rumours: Scott Parker
Central Midfielders: Ramsey/Wilshere and Fabregas/Nasri
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Last season, Jack Wilshere and Cesc Fabregas played as the central midfielders. While Wilshere had a great season, Fabregas was good (as usual) in the matches he played. In his absence, Abou Diaby and Samir Nasri took his position in certain games.
At the end of the season, Ramsey returned to full fitness and took Fabregas's (injured) position, showing his creativity in the midfield. If Fabregas does leave to Barcelona, Wenger would give Nasri an increased pay-contract and allow him to play in the central midfield position, with Ramsey and Wilshere fighting for the other spot.
Backup: Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky
Youth Players: Henri Lansbury, Conor Henderson
On his way out: Denilson
Transfer Rumours: Douglas Costa, Willian
Left Winger: Samir Nasri/Andrei Arshavin
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Last season, Arshavin and Nasri were allowed to play in the left wing position. Nasri was able to penetrate the defenses successfully and Arshavin (a bit out of form) was able top the assist charts.
Next season, if Fabregas leaves, Nasri may be moved to the central midfield position and Arshavin will be the left winger, with Gervinho set to provide additional options to Wenger.
Youth Players: Ryo Miyaichi
Transfer Rumours: Gervinho, Alex-Oxalade Chamberlain
Right Winger: Theo Walcott
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Last season, Arsenal had pace in the form of Theo Walcott who played as a winger (and sometimes as the striker). He made a good partnership with Van Persie, assisting and scoring goals; he became the first-choice winger for the Gunners.
Walcott's injuries have been an area of concern; hence, Wenger is looking for a winger who can take Walcott's position in his absence.
Transfer Rumours: Alex Oxalade Chamberlain, Willian, Eden Hazard
Central Forward: Robin Van Persie/Marouane Chamakh
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Last season, Chamakh had a good first half when Van Persie was injured. After Van Persie's return, no one had any second thoughts about who the central striker should be, with Van Persie netting in his career-best 22 goals from 33 matches.
Since Van Persie is injury-prone, Wenger is on the lookout for strikers who can score 20 goals a season.
Youth Players: Carlos Vela, Jay Emmanual-Thomas
On his way out: Nicklas Bendtner
Transfer Rumours: Falcao, Gervinho, Benzema
Formation: 4-3-3
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Just like the previous season, Wenger may opt for the 4-3-3 formation.
Szczesny
Sagna ______TV5_____Samba/Cahill____Gibbs
Song
Fabregas/Nasri_____Wilshere/Ramsey
Walcott/Gervinho Arshavin/Nasri
Van Persie/Chamakh
