Wenger To Make 3 Changes: Predicted Arsenal XI To Face Middlesbrough

Arsenal will look to keep alive any fading hopes of finishing in the top four when we take on Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Monday night.

Here is the side Gooner Mac thinks Arsene Wenger will select for the game:

Goalkeeper: Petr Cech is back in training after recovering from a calf strain that’s kept him out for the last three games so he’s expected to be recalled between the sticks tomorrow. David Ospina remains out with a muscle problem so Emiliano Martinez should drop to the bench.

Defence: Our defence was woeful during the 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last week but thankfully Laurent Koscielny could return against Boro after resuming full training on Friday following an Achilles injury.

Gabriel is the man most likely to make way if Koscielny is passed fit as Shkodran Mustafi is expected to keep his place despite some questionable form of late. Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal have also come under fire for some disappointing displays in recent weeks but they are still likely to keep their places in the full-back slots.

Midfield: Our midfield was unbalanced against Palace last week so I think Wenger might make a change with Mohamed Elneny favourite to make way. Francis Coquelin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are options for the boss but he might opt for Aaron Ramsey alongside Granit Xhaka tomorrow.

Attack: Danny Welbeck didn’t train today due to a minor knock and will be assessed ahead of the game but he should start assuming he’s declared fit otherwise Olivier Giroud should start through the middle.

Theo Walcott is likely to keep his place on the right while Alexis Sanchez will be looking to get back to form after a poor showing at Palace last week. Mesut Ozil is also under pressure to put in a match-winning performance so the German international will be looking to impress in the No.10 role.

Here is how I think we’ll see Arsenal line-up: