Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal: Predicted Starting XI To Face Manchester United

By Josh Sippie

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: (L-R) Granit Xhaka, Alexis Sanchez, Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny celebrate the Arsenal goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06: (L-R) Granit Xhaka, Alexis Sanchez, Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny celebrate the Arsenal goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Arsenal FC and PFC Ludogorets Razgrad at the Emirates Stadium on October 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny

Take all the confidence I lack in the previous slide and reverse it, because this centerback combo is confidence incarnate. Both are athletic enough to prevent what happened last year at Old Trafford from happening again.

They will not have to deal with Zlatan. They will not have to deal with Rooney. All they will be up against is a young Marcus Rashford, who may have been the thorn in the Gunner’s side last year, but who should not find similar chances this year.

Having the combined athleticism means this defense has no weakness. At least not in the middle. Speed or height, you can’t take advantage of Kostafi. They are too talented a duo to be put to shame, especially by someone like Rashford, who is like a faster Harry Kane – pesky, but not exactly excelling at any one specific thing.

I have faith in a clean sheet. Mainly because of the injuries, but still. Also, with Fellaini and Smalling also out, a goal may not be unheard of from one of these two from a set piece.

Midfield time.