Play Fantasy Arsene Wenger: Pick your first team to face Barnet

We're just a few weeks away from the start of the new season and Arsenal's preparations for the next campaign ease into gear on Saturday when the Gunners take on Barnet at Underhill.

The occasion was used last year by Arsene Wenger to introduce Eduardo to the fans, albeit dressed in civvies on the bench, but this year it looks as though those making their way to north London may get the chance to see at least one new signing.

Aaron Ramsey is included in the squad for the game, but fellow summer signing Samir Nasri is not, so us Gooners will have to content ourselves with a sneak peak at the former Cardiff midfielder.

More exciting than that is the prospect of Carlos Vela getting his first game in an Arsenal shirt. That, my friends, is worth the admission money alone...

Battling for the goalkeeper's jersey will be Manuel Almunia, Wojciech Szczesny and Vito Mannone, and Le Gaffer will no doubt use the game to play at least two of those stoppers - one each side of half time.

In defense, Wenger can choose from Gavin Hoyte, Justin Hoyte, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Havard Nordtveit, Abu Ogogo, Paul Rodgers and Rene Steer.

The midfield contingent includes Aaron Ramsey, Henri Lansbury, Denilson, James Dunne, Mark Randall, Jack Wilshere and Armand Traore.

And in attack the options are Jay Simpson, Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela, Nacer Barazite, Theo Walcott and Rui Fonte.

The 24-man squad will allow Wenger to replace every single player if he wishes to and in such an early encounter, I'd expect most of the Gunners making the short trip to Barnet to get at least some playing time.

It's anybody's guess who will be on the pitch at kick off for Arsenal and I'm not saying this is the strongest starting 11, but here's who I'm backing:

Almunia
Sagna J. Hoyte Nordtveit Clichy
Randall Ramsey Denilson Traore
Bendtner Vela

Who would you like to see lining up to face Barnet? Share your thoughts here.

Came straight to this page? Visit www.arsenalpies.com for all the latest news.

Posted by Gordon Masson on July 16, 2008 4:05 PM in Players
Permalink | Comments (1) | digg this | del.icio.us this | Stumble It!

Comments