Arsenal vs Ludogorets Predicted Starting XI: Where Does Ramsey Fit?

Arsenal will be staring down Ludogorets again, this time in Bulgaria. So how to the Gunners line up and where does Aaron Ramsey fit in?

Arsenal sent out a hugely first-team starting XI to stomp Ludogorets 6-0 the first time around at the Emirates. Ozil, Alexis, Walcott and Lucas all had a major part to play in what turned out to be a very lopsided affair. It was over long before the whistle blew.

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This time around, we should be expecting more of the same, as Arsenal seek to put their stamp of dominance on the group and build confidence ahead of the North London Derby.

However, squad rotation is still an absolute necessity and one that could cost the Gunners dearly if they fail to enact. The workings of the inner competition can continue to function if some fringe players put on the same dominant performance as the undoubted starters.

That means that guys like Mesut Ozil should not be playing. Whether Wenger agrees or not cannot be known for sure yet.

We will for sure be without Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin, all of whom did not travel wit the team. That should open the door for quite a few rotational players to make a statement, but more voluntary rotations are needed.

As such, we shall now endeavor to predict the starting XI, beginning with the position that we all already know.

Keeper

David Ospina has to look forward to these midweek clashes, but as Tom here at Pain in the Arsenal asks, will there be a time that he starts to want more? It’s not unlikely that he will get the FA Cup too, but until that time comes, a very capable keeper is only being used once every couple of weeks.

That can’t be all-satisfying. However, until there is drama, no need to start it. Let’s just revel in the glory that is/can be Ospina’s shot-stopping abilities.

Next up, let’s get to the fullbacks.