Arsenal’s Predicted Starting XI To Face Olympiakos

Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla

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Francis Coquelin is hurt. Scared? Good, you should be. Mathieu Flamini was a hero against Tottenham. 21 minutes into his first start, he got hurt. Scared? Good, you should be. Arsenal now have to pin their entire holding midfield hopes on Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla.

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I would much rather see Aaron Ramsey played in the role. It is his natural position and he is far superior to Arteta. But I won’t get my wish. Ramsey will inherit the No. 10 role. Having the undersized Spanish duo at the base of our midfield is a scary proposition. However, Cazorla has adapted well to the role, so at least we have that. He would be just as effective if not moreso at the No. 10 role, however.

Mikel Arteta simply lacks any semblance of pace or aggression. It is consistently a problem for Arsenal when he starts in a defensive role. Yet there is nothing that can be done. Arsenal are out of options.

Meanwhile, Coquelin has resumed training according to reports and it is safe to say that everyone is ready to have the wrecking ball back.

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