Flanagan, who’s been on the peripherals of the squad this season, will make his first start this campaign with a tough task up against him. The inclusion of the youngster certainly speaks to the fitness — and match sharpness — of Martin Kelly who has just recently returned from a long-term layoff. Simon Mignolet starts between the sticks while ex-Gunner Kolo Toure, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho keep their spots in the squad. On-loan Valencia fullback Aly Cissokho is on the other flank with Jose Enrique still having problems with his knee.
Philippe Coutinho returns to the squad, but is not ready for a start, so a midfield three of Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Lucas will be ready from the get-go. Obviously it’s going to be Luis Suarez — a target for the Gunners over the summer — and Daniel Sturridge starting up front. Brad Jones, Philippe Coutinho, Victor Moses, Martin Kelly, Joe Allen, Daniel Agger and Raheem Sterling make up the Reds bench.
On the other side of the pitch, it’s the resurgent Wojciech Szczesny in net with Bacary Sagna, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs making up the back line. Tomáš Rosicky, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil makes up a packed midfield with Olivier Giroud deployed as a lone striker.
Arsene Wenger also has Lukasz Fabianski, Thomas Vermaelen, Nacho Monreal, Carl Jenkinson, Isaac Hayden, Chuba Akpom and Nicklas Bendtner coming from the bench.
Be sure to stop by after the match for a full review and a other assorted goodies.
