Formations and Tic-tacs

In Wenger's most recent interview he confirmed Arsenal's new 4-3-3 formation, similar to European champions Barcelona. He said he wanted to keep the midfield tight with flexible forward play. But who to choose in the six attacking positions?

Upfront, Wenger has Van Persie, Arshavin, Eduardo, Bendtner, Walcott and Vela. He'd be a genius to combine all attackers or at least give them all equal gameplay. So, as much as I wouldn't like it, maybe it would be best to offload Bendtner or Vela or both, and then get the DM and CD sorted out. Its been talked about that Vela could go to Fulham plus 6 million and we'd get Hangeland. But he is cup-tied. Arsene could get Servet Cetin from Galatasaray but I don't think Bendtner or Vela would want to go in the opposite direction or even move to the Turkish league. Cristian Zapata from Udinese is another bulk in the defence but which of the two strikers would welcome the chance to play in Italy? Most likely Bendtner. So there will need to be a lot of deep thought put into this by Wenger.

As for the defensive midfielder gap, I think it would be more likely that Wenger signs Blaise Matuidi for 6 million than Daniele De Rossi for 25 million or more. But don't get me wrong Matuidi is a brilliant midfielder with a habit for scoring long range goals. 

There's no perfect way to keep everyone happy and playing at Arsenal. Get Hangeland and lose Vela. There's two negatives and two positives to that. The negatives are obviously losing Vela and that Hangeland is cup tied. But the positives are that Hangeland has Premier League experience and is a tall, brave defender and would surely form a great partneship alongside Vermaelen. Hangeland's specialities are high balls, last ditch challenges and strength. Vermaelen's specialities are speed and going slightly forward into a DM when his team has the ball. Gallas and Djourou are still capable, strong defenders - keep them. The next step would be simply to buy Matuidi and get Vieira as his tutor - no negatives.

I can't stress how much Arsenal need these two positions sorted out. Its better to lose a striker and gain a defender in Arsenal's squad, in my opinion. Adebayor and Toure gone, Eboue, Silvestre and Vela should follow. Vermaelen is here and Hangeland and Matuidi should come as well. It wouldn't be that bad because if you think about it, how many times do Eboue, Silvestre and Vela play throughout the season. Not a lot.

What's your ideal formation and starting X1 - please write it in the comment box below.

GR's Starting X1:

Van Persie, Arshavin, Eduardo/Walcott

Nasri/Rosicky, Fabregas/Wilshere

Matuidi/Vieira

Clichy, Vermaelen, Hangeland, Sagna

Almunia