I think we should play Vermaelen instead of Santos then we have an all-central defence. It would match our all-central midfield.

John agree with all you said.

Thomas Vermaelen will probably get injured playing as a LB.

At LB you have to do more running than when your at CB.

Vermaelen got cramp playing as a CB! Imagine him at LB!

Andre Santos is a quality player been very impressed with him defensively.

Yes he needs to work on his fitness but sure with more games he plays he will get used to the pace of the premier league

Don't worry, I was being facetious.

The thing with Verm is we always rush him back and then he gets injured!
So my rational mind thinks it might be best to rest him for a game and then bring him back.
However, since we're playing Chelsea, I say play him left-back

Otherwise Djourou has looked great! Good crossing as well, good tackling. Against Marseille he was fantastic but just got given stupid free-kicks.

Plus the added height we get from a back 4 of centre backs would be very good

Hmm. I'm still a bit ambivalent about Djourou. He just looks so inhibited in his general play, and that will only lead him to make silly mistakes. He did have a solid spell for us last season, but I think he's perhaps lost his confidence now, especially since Metersacker's arrival.

I'd like to see Jenkinson develop as our right-back, because he's looked really strong and confident in a couple of games for us this season -- obviously, the inexperience is telling in some games, but that will alleviate itself through increased game time.

That said, can't wait 'til Sagna is back from injury -- now he's just a beast and has got the RB position cemented for a good few seasons more, I should think!

Get in!

I think interrupting the partnership of koscielny and mertesacker is risky, our defence has done well in the last few games so I think Vermaelen should take a place on the bench. At least we know he is fit now though and we have good options.

Chelsea play Sturridge on the right whos not really a winger.

Andre Santos will be fine there hes done well against fast, skillful players.

Hes shocked me cause defensively i always thought he was terrible for Brazil but playing in europe for Fenerbache has improved him defensively

PS Kyle Bartley would be another good option to consider for the RB position when he returns from Rangers. What do you think, chaps?

The thing is Laurent koscielny might have stinker playing at RB.

He hasnt played there for years so it will be an even bigger risk playing him against Chelsea.

Djourou has been fine just leave him there. Jenkinson is still injured so djourou at RB is fine for me.

Koscielny and mertesacker at the back with santos at LB.

Sorted

"Wenger decided to play at RB vs Stoke"

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And thank GOD they talked him out of it!

Isnt it nice that with the return of Vermaelen we now have so many options defensively?

Wenger decided to play at RB vs Stoke

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He did?

I watched the full highlights on MOTD and I didn't notice that. Kudos for Mr Wenger, he blends right in.

Our best CB pairing is Koscielny and Vermaelen.

Theres no doubt about that but we dont need to risk Vermaelen for one game!

We can still make up the points we cant afford to lose Vermaelen to injury!

What a fat comment JJG.

It is a nice problem to have thought isn't it?

I'd say put Djourou at right back and leave TV on the bench for Chelsea. Not ready for a match of this intensity.

Would have liked to see Mert v Drog though.

"What a fat comment JJG."

Is this a good or a bad thing? I'm so old.

This is not a big game. Chelsea are now also rans. We can do whatever we want and still take all three points at the bridge. Easy!

Its just ridiculous to drop Djourou and play Koscielny (When he hasnt played at RB for 7 years!)

People are assuming Koscileny will perform at RB lol

Which is just ridiculous! Oh can people say he will play there when he hasnt played there for 7 years?

Koscielny has been brilliant at centre back, no need to move him into an unfamiliar position!