As much as I'd love it. I can't see Lamela being involved whatsoever in this game.
I think AVB has a big task on his hands here. Lloris is a given in goal that's fine. Dawson is a shoe in for centre half too, you don't drop captains for big games like this, especially someone like Dawson who knows exactly what this game means to the fans. Now the rest of the defence is interesting. Walker has the pace and CAN trouble full backs and defences with his pace and attacking prowess down the flank, but if he's playing Townsend then I think Naughton may even be the better choice, Naughton is a clever footballer (when it comes to passing anyway), he doesnt attack heavily but what he does is allow our winger to attack, we need that in Townsend to just continue to take on Gibbs and not cut inside all the time which tends to happen with Walker behind him.
Next in defence is left back. Rose also has the pace and he is also good attacking wise. I actually think him and Chadli have a good understanding already which is promising considering theyve played about 4 games together, but Walcott could cause alot of problems, I think Roses positioning leaves a lot to be desired and I've seen it numerous times already this season with Cazorla or Wheelchair feeding Walcott through with splitting passes, sure playing Vertonghen (who is slower) could be dangerous at left back but his positioning more than makes up for that in my view and it allows us to have the dominating figure of Kaboul at the back, it's an interesting conundrum.
Now for midfield, what do we do? Do we just crowd and dominate midfield away from home with the three of Dembele, Capoue, Paulinho? or do we play Paulinho a little deeper alongside Capoue and have someone like Sigurdsson or Holtby just ahead who can pull a rabbit out of the hat? Perhaps even play the likes of Holtby deeper alongside Capoue so he can pull some strings allowing Paulinho to be the one getting on the end of things up top? Maybe even Sandro comes in? Another bunch of positions I have no idea about. It's a wonderful thing to have, squad depth.
I think the left hand side in Chadli is a shoe in, Unless of course he decides to go with Sigurdsson. I'd personally play Chadli. He retains possession very well, he's been good so far this season, creates chances and I think he'd be very much up for it. I also think Jenkinson is there for the taking and for me Chadli has a little bit more in his locker as a wide man than Sigurdsson. Right side is interesting too, if Lennon is fit does AVB put him back in or does he go with the regularly untested Townsend up against the likes of Arsenal away from home in a big North London Derby?
Very interesting to think what AVB will do. Does he simply pick a best eleven or do we see him pick players who he thinks can help win the game, can help disrupt Arsenals passing and movement from midfield.
