1. Christian Benteke vs Laurent Koscielny
The most crucial battle will be between these two. The big, bruising figure of Christian Benteke, signed for a mere
£7 million last summer from Genk, terrified defenses and scored goals with feet and head alike. Incredibly strong, agile, with a quick eye for goal, Benteke proved a very clever piece of business by Paul Lambert, and goes into the season with incredible expectation on his shoulders. Facing an Arsenal defense notorious for being easily out-paced and muscled, Benteke could relish this, leaping for headers, battling defenders and acting as a target for the crosses of wingers and full-backs. A goal from him would not come as a surprise. Perhaps the only man who can stop Benteke is Arsenal's 'French Diamond', Laurent Koscielny. Signed three years for
£10 million and now valued at £30 million, the Frenchman had come on leaps and bounds, from a weak, easily-beat defender to a strong, vocal, committed presence at the heart of Arsenal's brittle barricades. Able to match up to the strongest player, proving a good leap with a strong header and well-timed tackle, Koscielny can also carry the ball out of defense and start attacks - a weakness, perhaps, but may act as a foil. He could be able to stop Benteke and keep the Arsenal goal intact. What do you make of my choices? Do any other players strike you as possible combatants in these or other positions? Drop a comment below and share your ideas!