Arsenal line-up v Sunderland – Attacker out as defender demands better from Gunners

Per Mertesacker’s candid comments following Arsenal’s last-gasp 2-1 victory over Anderlecht in the Champions League may be a refreshing approach in light of his club’s current struggles, but for Gooners it is not be exactly what they want to hearing at such an important time of the season.

“Football-wise, we lack a few things,” the German said. “The passing game is not as efficient as last year. We are not at our best, we have to admit that. We have to be honest to ourselves and train harder.”

Mertesacker and his lacklustre team-mates have the ideal opportunity to take a step in the right direction though, as they take on a Sunderland side coming off the back of a mauling at the hands of Southampton last time out.

While boss Arsene Wenger will be racking his brains how best to do that, he’ll have to do it without a handful of key personnel. Thankfully Jack Wilshere is not injured, but the England man misses out through suspension, while Laurent Koscielny also remains sidelined, with Wenger commenting: “I hope that after the next international break he will be available again. Before that I don’t think so.”

There was some good news on the injury front for Arsenal however, with Theo Walcott edging ever-closer to his long-awaited return. The England international has been absent since January, and while he has been back in full training for the last fortnight, this weekend’s clash against the Black Cats looks to have come too soon.

“He has to get used to contact again,” Wenger said about Walcott. “He has been out for nine months. It was a big injury and it takes time to settle so he has to get used to being kicked again.”

Mesut Ozil also offered some encouragement on his own situation, uploading a picture of himself in the gym, but his continued recovery from knee problems means the German international will be out of action until the end of the year.

Below is how Arsenal could line-up against Sunderland:

Following David Ospina’s injury, Wojciech Szczesny is almost nailed on to start in goal, although Wenger may opt for consistency and start Damian Martinez again.

Arsenal’s continued struggles for personnel in defence means he will likely continue in the starting XI, despite Mertesacker’s confessions, and his central partner is an area of contention, with Nacho Monreal and Calum Chambers the only real choices.

Should Chambers get the nod, then it leaves youngster Hector Bellerin to fill in at full-back.

Wilshere’s suspension means that should Wenger will likely partner Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey in central midfield, although there is every chance that the Welshman will be used in a more advanced position.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s bit-part role this season suggests that Wenger does not view him as ‘ready’ to warrant a regular starting berth, but given the lack of options and players in form this would be the perfect opportunity to give the England man a run-out.

Arsenal fans, what do you think needs to change at the club? How do you think you’ll line-up against Sunderland? Comment below…