Arsenal’s predicted XI for their Champions League trip to Istanbul.
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Arsenal are set for one of their most important games of the season on Tuesday night, when the Gunners travel to Istanbul to face Besiktas in the first leg of their Champions League qualification tie.
Failing to qualify for the group stage of the competition is unthinkable for Arsene Wenger and his side, with the strongest possible team likely to take on the ambitious Turkish outfit, who have signed striker Demba Ba from Chelsea this summer.
This is the XI that we expect Wenger to choose for the match:
Goalkeeper and Defence
GK) Wojciech Szczesny – The Pole is number one and will keep his place almost by default, with new boy David Ospina still injured.
RB) Mathieu Debuchy – The new signing is set to make his Champions League debut for Arsenal, but has played in the competition in the past for former club Lille.
CB) Laurent Koscielny – Is expected to shake off a minor knock to take his place as the galvanising force in the centre of the Arsenal defence.
CB) Calum Chambers – Had a good debut against Crystal Palace at the weekend and is likely to keep his place, with Per Mertesacker not yet ready.
LB) Nacho Monreal – The Spaniard is likely to come in, with Kieran Gibbs missing out through injury.
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