Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Predicted starting XI – Here come the big guns

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal reacts during UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Arsenal and Ostersunds FK at the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal reacts during UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Arsenal and Ostersunds FK at the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Hector Bellerin
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Arsenal and Ostersunds FK at the Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

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Sead Kolasinac proved on Thursday why he is considered a lesser option to Nacho Monreal. Although he offers a greater attacking threat, even with Monreal’s recent goalscoring splurge, due to his greater power, athleticism and speed, Monreal is the far more accomplished and intelligent defender. His positional nous, his experience and know-how mean that he rarely allows himself to be exposed. The same cannot be said for Kolasinac.

Monreal, then, will obviously start, given the week off like Mustafi having only been named on the bench in midweek. Opposite of him, the picture is equally as clear. Hector Bellerin is utterly unrivalled when it comes to alternate options. Mathieu Debuchy has departed and all the other potential avenues are contorted ones — Calum Chambers from centre-half; Ainsley Maitland-Niles from midfield.

As a result, it will be Bellerin and Monreal who start. That is not all that surprising.