Welcome to the first Referendum feature of the 2007-08 season. It’s been a long and interesting season with a couple of astute signings compensating for a couple of significant losses.
With the departure of Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg coupled with the signings of Bacary Sagna and Eduardo, a lot of questions have been asked about what Arsenal’s strongest XI should be. Rather than what it should be now though, we are interested to see what fans think will be the starting line up by the end of the season.
During Pre-season, Eboue spent a lot of time at right midfield and even started the first Premiership game against Villa there, could this be a full time solution or is it a temporary measure until a new signing is brought in or perhaps until Walcott is ready to play a more full time role?
Is it time for Cesc to have a new partner? Gilberto was the obvious choice to be made club captain yet the armband was given to Gallas. Could this indicate the Arsene see’s Diaby or Denilson forcing their way into the first choice XI by the end of the season? What will the first choice strike force be? Who will be no. 1 keeper? We asked our forum members for their opinion, below is the pick of their responses. Kisembo in Uganda:
Goalkeeper
I expect this to be Lehmann's swansong season in an Arsenal shirt, and therefore a lot depends on the progress of Fabianski. Almunia - I believe - is a decent keeper but not quite a long-term Arsenal prospect. If Fabianski fulfils Wenger's faith in him, then the position is as good as 'for the taking' as he'll get at any top club. If he proves inadequate, I think Wenger might return to the market.
Rightback
Having seen Sagna only in pre-season, I will make no judgement yet. If Eboue continues to feature wide right of midfield, Sagna will become our main rightback, with Eboue also rotating when needed. Hoyte will never be a first choice Arsenal fullback.
Centreback
Gallas and Toure, unless we have such a disastrous season that Gallas feels he must move on. Senderos will probably continue as the first pick reserve, much to the chagrin of a section of Arsenal supporters. Though it could be a defining season for both he and Djourou; if either disappoint it would not surprise me to see one moved on at the close of 2007-08.
Leftback
Clichy. For about the next 10 years.
Right Midfield
Pretty much an impossibility to call. If Eboue plays his share of games at right midfield, and impresses, he could easily be a contender. More so if Wenger has designs on a different role for Hleb. I'd expect Walcott to move upfront long-term. Gut feeling would see both Eboue and Hleb provide the options here.
Centre Midfield
Gilberto and Fabregas; and I'd say that is set in stone, unless Gilberto's age raises contractual issues. Denilson will continue to progress at a rapid rate, and provide one hell of an option to either player. Diaby could go either way; he could be excellent, or could just be a decent squad option. These 4 will be here next season, with Flamini heading through the exit door.
Left Midfield
This depends on Rosicky's performance and what Wenger really has in store for Eduardo. It would little surprise me to see both players occupying this position, in a style similar to Eboue/Hleb on the right.
If Wenger does not buy a dedicated winger this summer, it wouldn't at all surprise me to see this trend continue one year from now.
Striker
Pretty much a case of Van Persie and whoever. Adebayor will continue to feature heavily, regardless, in a squad capacity at very worst. A more permanent role awaits for Eduardo if he proves a clinical striker. If Wenger goes the other way, with Eduardo left of midfield, I'd expect another striker competing with Adebayor, unless Walcott has a major breakthrough. Bendtner/Vela as other options.
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