Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

Arsenal Vs West Ham United: Predicted starting XI – Future of the defence

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on December 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on December 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Arsenal, Mathieu Debuchy
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Mathieu Debuchy of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League group H match between Arsenal FC and BATE Borisov at Emirates Stadium on December 7, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /

Full-Backs

There is a growing competition at Arsenal’s full-back positions. And it’s not just because of the recent dropping of Sead Kolasinac — as an aside, it is not known whether he has been dropped or is just being provided with an extended rest, but there is sufficient cause for concern regarding his previously entrenched starting role.

More than Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ recent resurgence at left-back, however, on the opposite flank, Mathieu Debuchy has reminded of his dependability and consistency, which is especially timely with Hector Bellerin’s struggles in the first team.

I expect the two reserves to continue in the ‘reserve’ team on Tuesday. But I will be watching their performances closely. They are pushing for more opportunities, and if they continue their recent uptick in form, they must just get what they want.