There has been a lot of focus on our back four and in particular Nacho Monreal. I can't help but feel there is a little confirmation bias going on due to the lack of a fourth choice centre back signing. Firstly Monreal has put in better performances than Per Mertesacker since moving to centre back this season and Per was our best defender last campaign. When the midfield have done their jobs instead of focusing on scoring Ronaldo free kicks then the defence has been equal to that of our rivals. In fact Arsenal have conceded the same as table topping Chelsea. The team managed by bus parking specialist Jose Mourinho. Once the team shape and attitude of the players around the defence is correct then we will have little problems against

If we are to play the same way, allowing our full backs higher up the pitch then I'd be up for Lukas Podolski starting because you'd think he'd have a decent amount of time inside the opponents penalty area. Santi Cazorla could do with a mental refresh I reckon as his wayward finishing may have been taking a toll on him.

On the injury front it looks as if Jack Wilshere will miss the game due to a kick on his knee at Sunderland but Kieran Gibbs might be available. I might be in the minority here but in games where our opponent is likely to sit back and flood the middle of the pitch, I would prefer to start with Nacho Monreal who is better at keeping width and also running in behind his opposition full back where as Kieran Gibbs tends to dribble inside his man. He is better in individual duels so is better against stronger opponents. I suspect that Gibbs will play if he is completely fit but I'd be more than happy with the Spaniard.