Having ended last season on a high the Gunners will be raring to hit the ground running from the word go. Arsene Wenger will however have to do without a number of star players, but still boasts a very strong squad.
Cech-in
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Arsenal's only notable signing so far is expected to go straight into the starting line-up with Colombian international David Ospina likely to be demoted to the bench..jpg?q=75&w=634)
The former Chelsea man made a surprise switch to the red side of London and has evidently lifted the spirits at the Arsenal camp.
Mertesacker to lead the cavalry
Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal
The German international has called upon his time on the international stage but continues to be a key member of the Arsenal side. With Laurent Koscielny a certain member of the starting eleven, stand in captain Per Mertesacker faces tough competition from winter acquisition Gabriel Paulista.
The German however is poised to maintain his position in the side and remain captain with club captain Mikel Arteta expected to start the season on the bench. Young Hector Bellerin had a breakthrough season last time out and is expected to give Mathieu Debuchy a run for his money. It remains to be seen whether Wenger will go for the flamboyant Spaniard or the experienced Debuchy.
Nacho Monreal has been constantly linked with a move to Spain but has the backing of his manager and is likely to keep Kieran Gibbs on the bench. Young Calum Chambers was a mere spectator in the second half of last season and will be hoping to make his presence felt this time around.
A strong midfield
Midfielders: Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Mesut Ozil
Arsenal have rewarded Spanish international Santi Cazorla with a new contract and his form in pre-season is reminiscent to the fact that he will be keeping his position in central midfield. Francis Coquelin's performances upon his return to Arsenal after a loan spell at Charlton caught a lot of attention and it is unlikely that any other player in the Arsenal ranks can replace him.
Mesut Ozil will be operating in the number ten role and will be hoping he can produce the dividends after a very productive pre-season which saw him getting assists as well as goals.
Opinions divided on Walcott and Giroud
Forwards: Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain
Theo Walcott has been Wenger's first choice to lead the line for the last few games and it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman will continue to trust him in the role. The Englishman was largely innocuous upfront in the community shield match against Chelsea, which has reignited arguments that he is not fit to lead the line.
Olivier Giroud will be hoping to pounce at any opportunity he gets to win back his place in the starting lineup and is likely to be involved during the game against West Ham. Santi Cazorla's inspiring form means that Aaron Ramsey will once again be deployed in an unorthodox position on the right wing. The Welsh international has expressed his dissatisfaction at being stationed at the flanks but will be hoping to make the most out of it.
With Alexis Sanchez still not match fit, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is poised to take his place on the opposite flank. The former Southampton man will know that he will have to surrender the position to the Chilean once he regains fitness and will thus to his upmost to create an impression on his manager.
Here is Arsenal's ideal starting XI for their opener vs. West Ham:
Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Mesut Ozil; Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain
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