EPL Preview: Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI vs. Swansea City

The Premier League returns after the two week international break, and the excitement and thrills can reignite. For Arsenal, Arsene Wenger believes their season officially "begins" Saturday with an encounter against newly-promoted Swansea City, the first Welsh side ever to grace the modern Premier League, at the Emirates.

The opening month of 2011/2012 was traumatic for the young Gunners. Wenger's squad was decimated by injuries and suspensions, and the Arsenal manager had been unable to secure a replacement for the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, ensuring the Arsenal attack was lacking in creativity.

Therefore it was not completely surprising to see the North London giants winless (one draw against Newcastle) in the opening three Premier League matches. However it was surprising that reigning Premier League champions Manchester United were able to thrash and humiliate a depleted Arsenal side 8-2.

But after some strong signings on the final day of the summer transfer window alongside the gradual return of key figures, the Gunners' are becoming more like the English football giants World Football recognises.

However, Wenger and his men currently sit at 17th in the table, with a talented Swansea two places ahead by a single point.

The Gunners still lack some key presences (Gervinho and Alex Song have one game remaining on their three-match ban, and Emmanuel Frimpong returns from his ban) but will have regained confidence and possess eagerness to enforce the Arsenal presence on the Premier League.

It will not be easy against Swansea, but Arsenal (that Liverpool game aside) boast a superb home ground advantage at the Emirates.

Wenger will have one eye on Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Group Stage match against German giants—and last year's Bundesliga winners—Borussia Dortmund (for whom Arsenal transfer target Mario Goetze plays).

None the less BleacherReport predicts the starting XI for the Gunners'.

Goalkeeper

Young Poland international Wojciech Szczesny has arguably been Arsenal's brightest light in an otherwise dark month, and the 21 year old is certain to start in goal for Wenger.

Countryman Lukasz Fabianski will continue to deputize for Szczesny whilst Italian youngster Vito Mannone will again feature for the reserves. Veteran Manuel Almunia was unable to find a new club during the summer. The former Gunners No. 1 is in definite limbo, and looks certain to leave soon.

Defenders

Arsenal have suffered a huge blow in a cruel twist of deja vu, as defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen will be absent for two to three months following surgery on his left ankle.

The Belgian, who has been in strong form and is considered one of the best centre halves in the Premier League, featured just five times last season due to a severe Achilles injury (to his other ankle) suffered during the same time period a year ago.

Fortunately Wenger's deadline day £8 million acquisition of German giant (he's 6'6") Per Mertesacker from the Bundesliga's Werder Bremen will mitigate the impact of Vermaelen's absence for the time being.

The imposing defender was an emphatic signing and one that hugely appeased the Arsenal fans. The 26 year old is set to make his debut against Swansea.

Mertesacker will partner with Frenchman Laurent Koscielny in the centre half. The Frenchman Koscielny was called up by Les Bleus for their recent qualifying fixtures, but has yet to earn a senior cap.

Koscielny's compatriot Bacary Sagna returns to the starting XI after missing the United humiliation due to illness. The reliable Frenchman will start at right back ensuring teenager Carl Jenkinson is demoted to the bench where the 19-year-old will be joined by imposing Swiss Johan Djourou.

Another strong last minute signing for Arsene Wenger was Brazilian left back Santos, who was snapped up from the Istanbul-based Fenerbache for £6.2 million. There have been questions about Santos' defensive quality, but he is a regular with the Selecao, and brings much-needed experience to the back four.

England international Kieran Gibbs has also returned from a hamstring problem, but Santos is likely to get the nod on the left flank against Swansea. Veteran Sebastien Squillaci and teenager Igansi Miguel are set to both miss out.

Midfielders

Arsene Wenger was able to deflect the negativity surrounding the off-season departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri by securing renowned Everton play maker Mikel Arteta for £10 million.

Wenger also signed Chelsea dynamo and Israel captain Yossi Benayoun on a season-long loan.

Arteta is set to start in midfield, filling the roaming attacking midfielder role once filled by Fabregas. The Spaniard will be partnered by Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, who has impressed whilst on international duty, earning man-of-the-match honors in Tuesday's European qualifier against England.

Unfortunately PFA Young Player of the Year Jack Wilshere has suffered another set-back in his recovery from an ankle knock, and will not return to first team football for at least two months.

First-choice defensive midfielder Alexandre Song is still serving a three-match ban incurred on the opening day of the season and misses the clash. However deputy teenager Emmanuel Frimpong returns from his one-match ban and will take on the holding role.

Benayoun is likely to start on the bench whilst imposing Frenchman Abou Diaby has not yet returned to peak fitness after pre-season ankle surgery. Czech play maker Tomas Rosicky will also contest for a role on the bench alongside French youngster Francis Coquelin, who made his Premier League debut against Manchester United. Dutch teenager Oguzhan Ozyakup is set to miss out.

Forwards

Arsene Wenger has an exciting array of forwards to choose from, which will greatly benefit the Gunners. Captain Robin van Persie is destined to take on the lone striker role. The Dutchman was in sublime form during international duty, netting four against San Marino.

England international Theo Walcott, who has also provided strength for the Gunners in the opening month, is likely to start on the right wing. Unfortunately marquee Summer signing Gervinho must sit out one more time due to the three-match domestic ban suffered on the opening day against Newcastle United.

However Wenger has recently-acquired South Korean captain Chu-Young Park at his disposal. The 26-year-old who was signed from AS Monaco for an undisclosed fee and scored four times in two games for South Korea during the international break.

Furthermore Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin is fit, and was excellent during Russia's European qualifier against Ireland on Tuesday. Teenage duo Ryo Miyaichi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are awaiting opportunities, and should be on the bench Saturday.

Arshavin is likely to get the nod despite his recent poor domestic form. The erstwhile contributor, Moroccan Marouane Chamakh, is likely to miss out.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, the Frenchman will have a tough time establishing a final set. Lukasz Fabianski is set to be the deputy keeper whilst Johan Djourou and Kieran Gibbs the relieving defenders. Yossi Benayoun and Tomas Rosicky will be the bench midfielders with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chu-Young Park the impact attackers.

A game which many will expect Arsenal to succeed. Will Wenger's men be able to secure their first win of the Premier League season?