Arsenal vs Ludogorets Razgrad: Predicted Starting XI

Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs

Sometimes, I do something crazy and get optimistic. I put faith in Arsene Wenger to give a deserving man a chance and this is one of those situations. I should point out that 90% of the time that faith is misplaced and he sends out the same old crew.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

I want to see Kieran Gibbs given his chance. It’s really at the point where I feel back for the guy. He’s been sitting for near two years without being given any semblance of a true opportunity.

Monreal has not looked on top of things lately, so giving him a day off would be excusable on so many levels.

Opposite Gibbs, look for Hector Bellerin to resume his regular dominance. The lad is 21 years old, he doesn’t need breaks like the older folks do. I think it would be cool to see Carl Jenkinson back out there but there’s a very small chance of that.

Debuchy is always an option, but is he really? He hasn’t even been in the squad in recent matches so there is little cause to think that would change here.

Moving on, we get to our center back pairing.