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

Wingbacks

There aren’t quite as many moving pieces here, but still enough to keep me on my toes. It all comes down to health. We know, by Unai Emery’s own admission, that Hector Bellerin will be out “weeks,” which is more than a little bit of a problem, as he was such a reliable presence in the attack on the wings.

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Ainsley Maitland-Niles will most likely start in his stead, though after his lackadaisical showing against Southampton, I hope that he gets a bit more inspired to be in the starting XI than coming on as a sub, because we need him to be cool and composed in that role, contributing to the attack and helping out in defense.

He hasn’t played much this year, so hopefully he is up for the challenge.

Opposite him, Sead Kolasinac will ideally get the start, if he is healthy. His absence was felt against Southampton, as he has become the creative center of the team and, without there, and with Bellerin driven out at half time, that strength from wide areas was a bit limited, despite an admirable effort by Monreal, freshly returned from his own injury lay-off.

We need Kolasinac out there, so hopefully he will be fit enough to make an appearance.

Moving on to the midfield three.