Nobody can knock Arsenal's record of qualification in the Champions League. Nonetheless, the Gunners have failed in seven of the past nine seasons to finish top of their group.

The final game of their group stage this season witnesses Arsenal travel to Basel needing a victory over the Swiss champions to stand any chance of finishing top, and the opportunity to play one of the weaker teams in the round of 16.

The Gunners have already qualified for the next round, however, Paris Saint-Germain look most likely to finish top of their group after achieving a better head-to-head record against the Gunners.

Basel will be out of the competition regardless of the result, but they will be hoping to overcome the Gunners, so Europa League football is guaranteed after Christmas.

For Arsenal to finish top of the group, Arsene Wenger must field this starting XI against Basel.

GK: Petr Cech

He may be edging towards the end of his career, but the form of Petr Cech has been crucial to the Gunners' great form.

Cech or Ospina shouldn't even be a question worth considering for Wenger for this match.

RB: Gabriel Paulista

Hector Bellerin's absence has become a major cause for concern at the Emirates Stadium with inadequate replacementsfor him.

Gabriel must be the option Wenger chooses with Carl Jenkinson proving himself unworthy of a place in the Gunners' starting XI.

Basel are known for their fast-paced wingers and capability on the counter-attack, and the Brazilian defender must ensure his defensive responsibilities are not ignored against the Swiss club.

CB: Laurent Koscielny

French defender Laurent Koscielny remains an integral part of any success Arsene Wenger aims to bring to the Emirates Stadium.

Koscielny rarely lets the Gunners down and has gained a reputation for being a big-game player for the north Londoners. Against Basel, Koscielny has to ensure the defensive line can contain the Swiss side.

CB: Shkodran Mustafi

After ten years of struggling to replace the famous Kolo Toure and Sol Campbell partnership, Wenger may have finally managed it.

Mustafi has been a revelation in London for the Gunners alongside Koscielny and is yet to play in a losing Arsenal team.

His inspiring performances will be required once again against Basel as the Gunners aim for top spot in Group A.

LB: Kieran Gibbs

With the absence of Hector Bellerin, Arsenal are missing a significant attacking threat in the full-back positions that cannot be replaced.

In a game the Gunners must win to have any chance secure top spot, playing Gibbs provides Arsenal with the necessary width to stretch the Swiss club.

At the same time, Gibbs must not ignore his defensive responsibilities against the Swiss club.

CM: Granit Xhaka

How could you not play the Swiss midfielder in a game in Switzerland against his old side?

Xhaka should become an integral part of the Gunners bid for Premier League success but has found himself on the bench far too regularly.

CM: Aaron Ramsey

For the entirety of the season, Arsenal fans have been calling for Arsene Wenger to call upon Welsh maestro Aaron Ramsey.

The midfielder has been out of form since his impressive Euro 2016 and finds himself regularly on the sidelines, so he needs games to build up his confidence.

CAM: Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil may not ben hitting the assist-machine highs of his 2015/16 campaign, but his all-round contribution has been, arguably, better this term.

Pulling the strings in attacking midfielder, he has the ability to rip Basel apart.

RW: Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott's season has finally been one in which potential has been met with performances.

Walcott has recorded nine goals this season but more significantly, the English winger is playing with a confidence and style not previously seen during his time at the Emirates.

LW: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

The biggest positive for Wenger this season must be the resurgence of squad players.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, like Walcott, has hit heights in recent weeks not previously witnessed during his time at the Emirates Stadium.

The English winger must start for Arsenal so he can continue his recent goal involvement and attempt to add to Arsenal's points tally in the hope of finishing above Paris Saint-Germain.

ST: Alexis Sanchez

Is there a better player in European football than Alexis Sanchez currently? The Chile international has become the player spearheading Arsenal's title challenge and has now recorded thirteen goals this season.

Arsene Wenger will be hopeful the winger turned forward, can add to his recent goals tally and fire Arsenal to top spot in group A.

Three points remain the priority and Sanchez is someone who can single-handedly deliver the required victory.