Arsenal vs. Southampton; My Predicted Starting XI

The interlull is finally in our rear-view mirror, and with no major incident.  Diaby's injury isn't serious, and Giroud played yesterday so fitness-wise, he should be good to go.  I've been reading conflicting reports as to whether Walcott missed yesterday's match with illness, or due to injury.  Odd as it is, I'm not overly concerned because I don't think he'll start this weekend either way.

So it's back to business as usual today, and it's Wednesday so I'm going to put in my predicted starting XI.  This could be a tough one to call.  We're home against Southampton in an early Saturday fixture, and what might look like an easy three points, could be anything but that.  I think Wenger is going to have to put the best eleven guys on the pitch to try and keep the foot on the pedal, even if that means using players who have been abroad for the last week or so.  Southampton have proven to be a feisty side so far this season, and they'll be rested and ready to play for points.

Keeper [Szczesny]

I'm going out on a limb here, because I haven't heard anything that completely confirms Szczesny's fitness.  Also, he didn't make the Poland call-up.  Przemyslaw Tyton played both matches ahead of Fabianski who sat the bench.  Should Szczesny be unable to play, I would think Wenger would go with Manonne over Fabinaski, but I expect to see Szczesny if he's fit.

Defense [ Jenkinson - Koscielny - Vermaelen - Gibbs]

No question for me that Jenkinson and Gibbs get starts.  They've played very well as part of a defense that has not relinquished a goal in three matches.  Neither of them have been affected by the interlull either, so they should be fresh.  Sagna's return is still at least a couple of weeks out, and we've been fortunate to not have suffered from his absence.  Cheers to Jenkinson for that.  Vermaelen is fairly automatic, and I'm guessing Koscielny finally gets his first start.  He was fit enough to play for France on Friday, and was rested yesterday, so his health shouldn't be an issue.

Midfield [Arteta - Cazorla - Diaby]

As usual, this is where it gets tricky.  As you can see, I've played it pretty safe.  As I said before, I think Wenger will want to get our best players on the pitch for this one, and right now these are our three best midfielders.  I'm pretty sure Arteta is a lock, but Cazorla played in both of Spain's matches and I've talked before about how I think we need to be careful not to overuse him.  And we all know about Wenger's propensity to rest players who have been away on international duty.  But both he and Diaby, in spite of their circumstances, are in great form right now and not starting them would hurt our chances of winning this match.  I don't think we can afford to coddle players this early in the season, and if these players are fit, they should be playing.

Forwards [Gervinho - Giroud - Podolski]

I'm feeling confident that Giroud and Podolski will get the nod.  Giroud should be hungry to get on the pitch and score a goal and that should work to our advantage.  Podolski looks like he's starting to settle in and I think he needs to be out there as well.  The third spot is kind of a wild card.  I'm going to go with Gervinho because he should be the most rested option, and I think he's played well when he's had his chances.  Technically, if Walcott can't go, he's our only option other than Arshavin.  I wouldn't be totally surprised to see Arshavin, but right now Gervinho is probably the better selection.

That's it guys.  Let me know what you think.  I've decided to set tomorrow aside for looking at some of the other Premier League matches and how they affect Arsenal.  And of course, on Friday I'll have a full preview of the Southampton match.  Thanks for reading guys.  COYG.