Team News: Arsene Wenger switches to a three-man Arsenal defence for Middlesbrough game

Updated 17/04/2017 at 18:48 GMT

Arsene Wenger has sprung a tactical surprise for Monday’s Premier League game against Middlesbrough, picking a back three for the first time this season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger before the match

Image credit: Reuters

Middlesbrough v Arsenal: LIVE

The Gunners, who have a number of injury problems, line up with Gabriel Paulista and Rob Holding either side of Laurent Koscielny, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as one of the wing-backs.

The formation creates space for both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to play off Olivier Giroud.

Transfers

Arsenal draw up summer transfer shortlist after Bayern defeat - Paper Round

14 hours ago

Arsenal start the game in seventh place in the Premier League, but have between one and three games in hand over the teams above them.

However, even with a maximum nine points from those games in hand the Gunners would still be outside the Champions League places.

The Line-Ups

Arsenal: Cech; Gabriel, Koscielny, Holding; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Xhaka, Monreal; Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud.

Middlesbrough: Guzan; Barragan, Ayala, Gibson, Fabio; Clayton, De Roon, Leadbitter; Ramirez, Downing, Negredo.

Champions League

Coefficient rankings: Premier League hopes in tatters as Italy secures extra spot

a day ago

Transfers

Man Utd, Liverpool in 'bidding war' for Brazilian teen Nunes - Paper Round

Yesterday at 07:53

Champions League

'Can't find right words to lift them' - Arteta opens up on 'gutted' dressing room

Yesterday at 08:56

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me