My Starting XI for the FA Cup final.
GK: Wojciech Szczesny
Personally, I believe David Ospina is the stronger keeper, I feel Szczesny should start. Arsene Wenger has dedicated this competition to him and he has played key roles in the rounds leading up to the final.
RB: Hector Bellerin
One of the easiest decisions for me. He is quick, good in both attack and defence and deserves this opportunity.
CB: Laurent Koscielny
Who else? The man is in insane form and has been vital to our success this season. No questions.
CB: Per Mertesacker
Our captain. Although Gabriel may be stronger with dealing with the fast paced attack of Villa, the experience our German centre-half will bring is second to none.
LB: Kieran Gibbs
Monreal is well-rounded and has been in a very consistent form as of late, but I feel we’ll need to balance attack and defence, especially with Gabby Agbonlahor, Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke running off our defence; Gibbs is very strong 1 v 1.
CDM: Francis Coquelin
Like Bellerin, Coquelin deserves this opportunity. Since being recalled from his loan spell at Chalrton, he has been crucial. Arguably the first name on the team sheet.
CM: Santi Cazorla
He may have been caught out a few times in midfield in recent weeks, but Santi Cazorla has proven his importance this season. Getting the goal that got us back on track in last season’s final, Wenger would be a fool to leave him out on a day like today.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
Our German dynamo has equally been crucial and can pick out a pass at any time of the match, like in the semi-final to set up Sanchez on both goal scoring occasions.
RW: Aaron Ramsey
Not necessarily on the right hand side flank, but the 5th midfielder in our team. He can score every type of goal and has proven it. We can’t leave him out after last season, can we?
ST: Theo Walcott
One of the most controversial decisions. After his hat trick last Sunday, you can’t really leave him out. He looked sharp, quick and clinical.
LW: Alexis Sanchez
Our talisman. No brainer.
Subs:
David Ospina
Great back-up for Szczesny.
Nacho Monreal
Defensive stability in dying stages, safe bet.
Gabriel Paulista
Strong, quick and can defend well on counter-attacks.
Jack Wilshere
Looked sharp on Sunday as well, but can’t see a place for him in my midfield. He is a good impact player at the moment and can provide us with the energy we need in the final moments.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Not sure he is fully fit but like Wilshere will provide energy and that ‘X-Factor’ in the final third.
Tomas Rosicky
Like Wilshere and the Ox, he provides energy and is someone who can dictate attacks.
Olivier Giroud
Like last season, he came on with 10 minutes to go + extra time and made a huge difference. Same again this year, please.
What would your XI be? Fill in the squad selector and tweet it to @HighburyClock!
Arsenal face Aston Villa in the FA Cup final, with kick off taking place at 17:30pm GMT.
