Arsenal vs FC Vorskla: Predicted starting XI – Bernd Leno time!

Fullbacks

This situation was supposed to be a lot better off than what it is. As in, we were supposed to have two right backs and two left backs, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles floating to fill whichever role he needed in the unlikely event that it even was needed.

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But, with the lengthy injuries to both Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac, the Gunners have their hands tied in this one. Starting at right back will be Stephan Lichtsteiner, someone who I am probably just as excited to see as Bernd leno. He has played an hour in the Premier League, but given what we saw in that hour, he should have replaced Hector Bellerin long ago (in my humble opinion).

Opposite him, because there is no other option, will stand Nacho Monreal. The aging Spaniard could undoubtedly use the break, and if it is deemed that important, we may see Bellerin at rightback and Lichtsteiner at leftback, but assuming Monreal does start, we will have a noticeably senior set of fullbacks who, hopefully, won’t be troubled too much.

Needless to say, Lichtsteiner said some fighting words regarding his hopes of being a regular starter, so this will be his first chance to show his fight and prove, yet again, that he should be starting, and not planted on the bench.

On to the centerbacks, where things start to get interesting.