3 days and counting, but should Ozil join in?

3 days and counting to Arsenal’s biggest game of the season!

What’s at stake for the Gunners?
*The prestige of winning a 14th FA Cup trophy in 21 FA Cup Final appearances (both are records)
*An automatic berth in the 2020-2021 Europa League group stages
*A guaranteed $3.8-million (USD) for qualifying for the Europa League group stages
*Bragging rights in London
*A strong finish to a very chaotic season

Arsenal played Chelsea twice this season, both matches were in the Premier League.
December 29th – Chelsea beat Arsenal at the Emirates, 2-1. This was Mikel Arteta’s second game in charge.
January 21st – The clubs battled to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Aubameyang was still on a three-game red card suspension.

So, what do those previous meetings mean? In my opinion, nothing, but it’s always fun to look back and see how we did against an upcoming opponent.

Saturday will come down to which team controls the rhythm of the game, holds possession and is the most creative in the box. My biggest concern for Arsenal is the latter. Since the restart, the Gunners have failed miserably to be creative offensively. Our current batch of midfielders are pressing the ball very well and regaining possession effectively. However, when they have possession they lack that final creative pass to create a strong chance for goal. Arsenal’s only real offensive threats have been Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and the counter-attack.

Here’s where we need the skills of Mesut Ozil. However, the German midfielder has not played one second of football for Arsenal since the restart. He’s in the daily training sessions working with the first team, but, would it be wise to play him in the starting XI on Saturday at Wembley? The downside for Ozil is his lack of defensive prowess. Arteta wants his squad pressing the ball, going for loose balls and fighting for possession. Ozil either refuses or just can’t get on board with that concept.

So, do we give up some defense to create some offense? I vote yes, we do! If Mesut Ozil brings his A game, the Gunners will have more chances to score goals. I firmly believe that. On Saturday, I would start Ozil as the point man up front in the midfield along with Ceballos and Xhaka playing deeper to the back three. Saka and Bellerin would be my wing men.

This could change between now and match day, however, as of now, this would be my starting XI v Chelsea…

[3-5-2]

Martinez
Tierney, Holding, Luiz
Saka, Xhaka, Ozil, Ceballos, Bellerin
Aubameyang, Lacazette

As excited as I am to watch the FA Cup Final, thre will be downside.
1) Watching Olivier Giroud wearing the Chelsea blue, and
2) Watching Christian Pulisic also wearing the Chelsea blue.

First off, I loved Giroud when he was a Gunner. Who could ever forget the great bicycle kick goals, or his ability to hold the ball waiting for attacking players to join in?
And, of course, as an American I am a big fan of Pulisic. Without a doubt he’s the best American footballer since Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. Wouldn’t he look great in an Arsenal shirt? Oh, well, such is life.
Even though I support and admire these two guys, I won’t be wishing them any luck or any success on Saturday!

Okay, that wraps up it for now, but there will be more to follow as we are down to 3 days and counting!

Cheers, stay healthy and safe!

Gunner1953