Both Matteo and Mesut have been spotted training with the first team so Tribuna.com tries to predict how they can fit into the starting XI.
Matteo Guendouzi has finally trained with the rest of the team for the first time since June while Mesut Ozil recently played his first game for Arsenal (albeit just a friendly) since March.
And while Mikel Arteta has not yet confirmed whether both are back in contention for first-team football, we sense the unlucky duo may complete a return to the squad even in the coming Fulham game. After all, the boss has never really closed the door for either midfielder.
So we’ve decided to imagine how the Gunners can line up with both the Frenchman and the German in the starting XI.
![[FILE] Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (L) runs with the ball as Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel closes in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/000_97B779-scaled-e1703231851386-120x86.jpg "Liverpool host Arsenal in battle for Premier League Christmas No. 1 2")
Here are a few thoughts about this line-up:
- It’s unlikely Arteta will risk breaking the last season’s Xhaka-Ceballos partnership.
- Keeping Dani and Granit in the starting XI and adding Mesut and Matteo is possible by changing the formation from a back-five to a 4-4-2 “diamond” shape.
- This requires a lot of pace and stamina from full-backs, something Tierney and Bellerin are always ready to provide.
- Playing with two men up front means Aubameyang gets to play in his favourite centre-forward role.
- While Willian and Bukayo Saka can play attacking midfielders (in Ozil’s position), Nico Pepe will have to learn to a No.9 role to compete with Lacazette.
Will you be happy to see Ozil and Guendouzi back in the XI?
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