Arsenal vs Brentford: Predicted starting XI for League Cup opener

Midfield

This is a far easier nut to crack than the defense. The two starters will be Matteo Guendouzi and Mohamed Elneny. The only room there is for variation is if Unai Emery deems this game easier than the Vorskla one and wants to stick Joe Willock in there, maybe even Emile Smith Rowe, but that’s all very unlikely. It’s going got be Elneny and Guendouzi.

Which is good, because even in games like this, that should be easier, having a strong midfield base is vital. Guendouzi and Elneny are known commodities. Both work tirelessly to influence the game in as many ways as they possibly can. They hound the ball when they don’t have it and protect it when they do. They try their best to drive forward and influence the attack as well.

The only way this could potentially go wrong is if both forfeit the positional awareness that they are prone to do. But Elneny is at the point where he should understand what his responsibilities are and adjust his regular style accordingly.

Honestly, seeing a midfield pair like this infuses confidence into the match, if any extra was needed. This is a very good midfield pairing with two very hungry players.

Let’s talk the wide attackers next.