Predicting Arsenal’s Starting XI For FA Community Shield Against Chelsea

Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs

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Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Debuchy are in for a season-long duel to maintain first-team responsibilities at right back. However, with Bellerin winning out last year due to Debuchy’s injuries, I would expect to see him run out with the first team come Sunday.

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Debuchy will have plenty of chances to take his spot throughout the season, however, as Bellerin is still young and will undoubtedly make mistakes.

Left back is a position that I really think Arsenal need help at. Kieran Gibbs was supposed to be a world class left back but his injuries and inconsistency have kept him from achieving that status. Nacho Monreal has hit his ceiling and cannot get any better than he already is. He is good, not great.

All that being said, I expect Kieran Gibbs to be given the chance to regain his place in the starting XI. He has to know that his chances are dwindling as Arsenal’s credibility increases so he better be on his best game.

Next: Centerbacks