EPL Preview: Predicting the Arsenal Starting XI vs. Blackburn

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the English Premier League with a hard fought 1-0 victory over promoted Swansea City before conceding a late goal, thanks to a superb Ivan Perisic, that stole what would have been an emphatic victory against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Group F.

Now the Gunners' turn their attention to a tough Blackburn Rovers' outfit desperate to secure their first victory of the 2011/2012 season and attempt to remove the current burden of last place in the Premier League. Steve Kean's men have endured losses to Wolverhampton, Aston Villa and Everton, whilst a recent stalemate with Fulham ensured their first point for the season.

The Rovers' fans have loudly protested their desire to see Kean removed from his position as manager, which ensures that Blackburn will need little motivation to secure victory at their Ewood Park on Saturday. Arsenal, on the other hand, are by no means in a comfortable position despite their first Premier League victory arising last week.

The North London giants have been far from convincing but can admit suspensions and injuries have played a part. After the large influx of deadline day signings, sufficient time has emerged for Wenger's new squad to become accustomed to one another. Furthermore, confidence is gradually returning after two matches with the squad still developing beneficial results.

However, Blackburn will provide a physical and tough encounter for the Gunners, who will be well aware that anything short of three points will evoke panic and frustration from the disgruntled fans.

Bleacher Report predicts the Arsenal starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Polish shot stopper Wojciech Szczesny has been in sublime form since the season commenced and once again emerges as a certain starter. There is no denying the 21-year-old is one of the best young keepers in Europe and is destined to become an Arsenal great.

Meanwhile, Wenger's able and high calibre deputy Lukasz Fabianski will be forced to maintain his presence on the substitutes bench but is certain to start in the Carling Cup third round against Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday.

Boom youngster Vito Mannone is set to take up a loan spell in the coming days, whilst veteran Manuel Almunia could also move to La Liga on loan.

Defenders

Arsenal will be without defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen, as the Belgian has been ruled out until November following ankle surgery. However deadline day signing Per Mertesacker has been impressive in his first two matches for the Gunners' and has formed admirably beside Frenchman Laurent Koscielny.

However, the centre half duo have partnered another midweek following the Swansea victory, and Wenger may be eager to rest Mertesacker, who is still adapting to the pace and physicality of English football.

This may pose a big risk, as back up centre half Johan Djourou has lacked form since the start of the campaign. It will come down to how much confidence the Arsenal manager has in the imposing Swiss.

As expected, renowned Frenchman Bacary Sagna will continue to perform at right back. There were some concerns when captain Robin van Persie departed the field during the Borussia Dortmund encounter and gave the captain's armband to Alexandre Song rather than Sagna.

Nonetheless, the full back will continue to implement quality to the Arsenal defensive line.

England international Kieran Gibbs started against Swansea City and Dortmund which may warrant Wenger to grant recent Summer signing Andre Santos his first start for the Gunners. The Brazilian was believed to be short of match fitness, but Wenger may choose to wait until the Carling Cup to utilize the former Fenerbache defender.

English teenager Carl Jenkinson returns from a suspension but is unlikely to make the match day squad; the same is likely for Igansi Miguel. Veteran Sebastien Squillaci is set to continue his period of no first-team football.

Midfielders

Huge relief for Wenger and the Arsenal faithful, as renowned defensive midfielder Alexandre Song returns from suspension sustained during the first round of 2011/2012. This is a massive boost for the Gunners' and the Cameroon international was in sublime form against Dortmund.

Deadline day acquisition Mikel Arteta continued to evoke strength in his second game for the North London giants against Borussia Dortmund and is likely to continue in the attacking midfield role, providing needed creativity and flair.

However, Israel captain Yossi Benayoun, on loan from Chelsea, is likely to be demoted to the bench from the UEFA Champions League clash with Wales captain Aaron Ramsey set to start, provided he recovers from a minor ankle complaint.

Benayoun is likely to be joined by impressive teenager Emmanuel Frimpong whilst Czech play maker has a knee injury and is likely to miss the clash. Teenage sensation Jack Wilshere continues his ankle injury run, which is likely to continue until November.

Promising French youngster Francis Coquelin will miss out alongside Oguzhan Ozyakup; both should feature in the Carling Cup.

Forwards

The Gunners' forward line returns to full strength as marquee Summer signing Gervinho returns from suspension sustained on the first day of the 2011/2012 season. The Ivorian has impressed in the UEFA Champions League on the right wing and is likely to start on the left ahead of Andrei Arshavin. However, the Russian could start, as the 30-year-old did not feature against Dortmund.

England international Theo Walcott is expected to continue on the right with the 22-year-old in strong form. As usual captain, Robin van Persie will lead the front line and will be boosted with confidence following a strong performance and goal against the Prussians.

Wenger's forward depth is highlighted as Ju-Young Park, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ryo Miyaichi all set to to miss out as imposing Moroccan Marouane Chamakh secures the final bench place.

Substitutes

With seven places on Wenger's bench, Lukasz Fabianski will be the deputy goalkeeper, Kieran Gibbs and Per Mertesacker the likely favourites for the back up defenders; however, that could easily be altered.

In the midfield Yossi Benayoun and Emmanuel Frimpong hold the spots whilst Marouane Chamakh and either Gervinho or Andrei Arshavin will take the attacking roles.

A tough encounter for the Gunners. Does Arsene Wenger's men have the confidence and ability to defeat Blackburn after a horror Summer?

Only time will tell.