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Arsenal vs Ludogorets Razgrad: Predicted Starting XI
By Josh Sippie
Arsenal take on Ludogorets as we return to Champions League action. With the Gunners top of the group, here are the predicted starters.
It’s nice to be on top, and that is where Arsenal finds themselves in Group A of the Champions League. They are in complete control of their own destiny, meaning that they are a far cry from where they were last year.
Related: Arsene Wenger’s Best Ever Starting XI
The toughest match of the group is already out of the way – playing away at Parc de Princes. There is no reason to think that Arsenal cannot pull maximum points from here on out.
And it continues with Ludogorets. By far the ‘fodder’ of the group, Arsenal will be expected to make short work of the Eastern European side and make it look easy in the process. Which, considering Arsene Wenger’s unwillingness to rotate, even in lesser Champions League fixtures, shouldn’t be a problem.
The only thing we should worry about is the long-term effects of starting our regulars twice a week.
That being said, I do think that we might be in line for some rotations in our starting XI today. It’s ridiculous to think that we would need all guns blazing to put away Ludogorets. A few consistent starters and some of our wisely-acquired depth options will smooth out the club nicely and leave us refreshed, while still maintaining our position to take three points.
It must be noted that both Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey are still out with their respective injuries/internal feuds. They have both returned to train, albeit individual training, but there will be no appearances from our maligned duo today.
With all of that out of the way, let’s get cracking with our predicted started XI to face Ludogorets (which is like a crapshoot), starting at the back where Petr Cech sets up camp.
Keeper: David Ospina
It’s the Colombian’s competition. And unless he pulls an Olympiakos-style implosion, it will continue to be. He was absolutely fantastic against PSG, stoning Edinson Cavani on numerous occasions to bring home a crucial point.
Moving on with the formation, we get to the full backs.