Arsenal's 4-3-3 won't work without Gilberto and Flamini

Arsenal's 4-4-2 formation cannot get most from Arshavin and Fabregas. Wenger knows it after the recovery of Fabreags last season and want to shift his team formation for the first time in his 13 years coaching. He is a 4-4-2 loyalist and only tried to play 4-5-1 in the 05/06 Champions league. He now plays his team with 4-3-3 in all pre-season games.

Arshavin is not a side midfielder but Fabregas has occupied the central role. No matter Arshavin plays the second striker or offensive midfielder, his role is duplicated with Fabregas's.

In the 4-3-3 formation, Arshavin can play a winger role like Messi in Barcelona. Fabregas can play Inesita role.

Wenger can also play his favourite Denilson in his first eleven. Wenger knows Fabregas-Denilson partnership did't have enough protection to his big four. Playing one more midfielder can help.

Can Van Persie or Eduardo plays the only stirker? Can Bendtner or Eboue become a regular winger? Can Wilshere, Merida and Ramsey make use of this chance to show they fit this formation better than the regulars?

My only concern is on the back four. Sagna and Clichy used to overlapping. In 4-3-3, it is okay for the defender to overlap but you need one or even two defensive midfielder to hold on opponent's counter attack. Arsenal lacks Gilberto-like invisible wall, and lacks Flamini's energy to chase the opponents.

Usually, Wenger's tactic change doesn't work. Let's see how it goes this time.