Arsenal vs Tottenham predicted starting XI: Let’s do it again

Back Three

I never thought I’d be so grateful to be writing the name Shkodran Mustafi in the starting XI. And I’ve always been one of his biggest proponents. But after seeing how badly the Gunners were bullied in the air against Southampton, I want our primary aerial warrior back in the fray, because I’ll be damned if any Spurs player heads home.

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In the center of the back three, I would expect Sokratis to be back in his sentinel role. He has been quite good at the position, as he is as no-nonsense as they come, and will sooner clobber an attacker than let him past. Which can be good or bad, but I’m fond of it more times than not.

It’s the left centerback role that I’m struggling with. I think there’s a chance Unai Emery puts Koscielny in the central centerback role, which would push Sokratis to the left-sided role, but by my estimation, he doesn’t want to risk Koscielny after such an intense match-up at St. Mary’s, so it will be Nacho Monreal occupying that left centerback role.

That is, assuming that Sead Kolasinac is healthy to start at wingback. If he’s not, then Monreal will slide out there, and maybe Lichtsteiner falls into the right centerback role, pushing everyone over a slot.

As you can see, there are a lot of moving pieces here. But for now, with the injury information available, let’s say it’s Mustafi-Sokratis-Monreal.

Wingbacks are next.