Kevin Ball selects his ones to watch within the Arsenal ranks ahead of Sunderland’s trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Tuesday’s match is the Black Cats’ penultimate outing of the 2016-17 season and it’ll be tough one, with the Gunners back in the race for UEFA Champions League football.
Injured: Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla.
Doubts: Sanchez, Koscielny, Gibbs.
Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez faces a late fitness test for Tuesday’s game but Arsenal will be doing everything in their power to ensure he’s fit to face Sunderland. A place in the top four looked unlikely a few weeks ago but a surge in form has seen Arsene Wenger’s side crank up the pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City, and although it remains out of their hands they’ll need Sanchez to ensure they take advantage of any slip ups. The Chilean has contributed towards 31 goals this season – the most of any Premier League player – with 21 goals and 10 assists, and although his future remains in doubt he showed at Stoke City that he’ll remain a force to be reckoned with regardless of what the summer holds.
Aaron Ramsey
Sunderland could be forced to field a makeshift midfield on Tuesday if Jason Denayer and Lee Cattermole remain sidelined, and that could spell trouble for the Black Cats. Earlier this month Wenger revealed how a formation tweak would help Aaron Ramsey and he’s been proved right, with the Welshman shining in recent weeks. In an advanced role he’s a joy to watch combining energy, composure and an eye for goal in the final third, and it’s good to see him back to his best because a year or so ago he was up there with the best midfielders in the Premier League. And his runs into the box need to be picked up by our defensive midfielder or we will pay the price.
Nacho Monreal
Arsenal have chopped and changed between Nacho Monreal and Keiran Gibbs in recent seasons but this campaign Monreal has ousted the England international and become a defensive mainstay. Perhaps injuries have hindered Gibbs’ cause, but I’ve been impressed by the Spaniard this season and his forward play, in particular, has been incredibly effective. He scored a wonderful volley against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final but his defensive play has also improved, and in recent games – against Southampton and Man Utd – I thought he thought he excelled.
Danny Welbeck
I always look out for former Sunderland players when we play and this week will be no exception as Danny Welbeck faces the Black Cats. I’m so pleased that Danny has returned to fitness because he’s endured a torrid time with injuries in recent years and he’s a real talent. At 26 he’s entering the prime of his career and I hope he can play regular football next season and once again reach the levels that saw him become an England regular. With two must-win games remaining I’m sure he will be involved and it would be great to see him score a couple of goals, but let’s hope they come on the final day rather than Tuesday night!