Concerns about Olivier Giroud's form notwithstanding, much of Arsene Wenger's first choice XI is obvious. His only area of uncertainty is on the right of midfield, where four players have started so far this campaign: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott. All offer something slightly different, meaning Wenger can vary the shape of the side subtly ahead of each game.
This weekend, however, both Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho are unavailable through injury, so Wenger has a straight choice between Ramsey and Walcott; whoever plays is likely to be the only surviving starter from last year's crushing 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford.
Here, the contrast is clear: Ramsey's natural position is as a central midfielder, and when pushed out to the flank he tends to play a narrow role, simply offering another passing option rather than stretching the play.
Walcott is a different beast entirely. Fresh from a hat-trick in midweek in the incredible 7-5 win over Reading, he's another who doesn't favour the right, believing himself to be more of a striker. That natural attacking tendency means he would try to beat Patrice Evra more frequently. Despite the shocking Arsenal performance at Old Trafford last season, Walcott acquitted himself reasonably well, winning a penalty and scoring a goal.
That display, combined with his fine match in midweek, will tempt Wenger into selecting him. But I think Wenger will select Ramsey; the Welshman started on the right against the other elite sides Arsenal have faced this year (Manchester City, Chelsea and Schalke). After last year, Wenger should select a cautious side and protect his back four, with Walcott an option from the bench.
