Arsenal have two games left out of this season with the most important being the one against City. If the stars align, the Gunners could finish 2nd after Premier League Champions Leicester. Wenger’s side needs to win both games and wait for Tottenham to slip up which is very possible considering what happened against Chelsea. Spurs may be down on their morale. Aside from the fact that finishing second will provide additional cash inflow which can be used for transfers, it will also spare Arsenal of playing additional games to qualify for the Champions League. Even though it would just be one or two games added to the season, it would still mean they would have to cut their vacation short. The last thing that provides hope that the Gunners can finish strong is the fact that the lots for Euro 2016 is not yet established. With several of Arsenal’s players out with injury for big parts of the season, two games can mean a lot. We already know who will be present in France to represent the Gunners.
First there’s Petr Cech whose performances have proven he is one of the best keepers in the world. He was a constant presence in Arsenal’s goal this season and impressed through some amazing saves. He will be defending the Czech Republic’s colors.
The defense will probably be well represented even though Mertesacker retired and will not be present in France. We will see Koscielny and very probably Monreal and Bellerin. Even though the two are not part of the current extended lot, they should be on the list and at least one will be playing in the Euro 2016 competition. Gibbs and Chambers are unlikely to be featured in England’s national team though.
The midfield is the place where players still have things to prove. Wilshere, Cazorla and Oxlade-Chamberlain are doubtful when it comes to their presence in France. Even though all have theoretical chances to be called in, their lack of games will be of massive influence. Wilshere played just 1 Premier League game this season and had three other matches for Arsenal’s U21 team. It will be very difficult for him to convince England’s manager he is worthy of playing in Euro 2016. It’s a similar situation with Cazorla who was out from November to April. According to Metro, the only one who has chances of joining Ozil and Ramsey in France is Oxlade-Chamberlain. Hopefully at least the Ox will be selected, which is very possible given Hodgson’s fondness for the 22-year-old.
The attack provides a similar dilemma. Welbeck, Walcott and Giroud have yet to be confirmed. Apparently it will be two of the three. If Welbeck is called in Walcott will be dropped. France have not announced their extended lot but Giroud has a pretty big chance of representing his home country this summer.