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

Midfield Three

This is where success will hinge. Not in the defense, or in the ability to finish, but in the midfield’s ability to not only create enough chances for the front two, but to also provide composure in possession, support in defense, and a presence that buries the Spurs countermovements in the midfield.

As such, I’m going with our three best midfielders in a two-back, one forward set. Lucas Torreira will be the right-sided midfielder, hanging back, but naturally always making those suddenly deadly runs into the box.

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Next to him, on the left-hand side, will be Granit Xhaka, return to his natural position where he can reign supreme as the best controlling midfielder in the world (there, I said it). His midfield presence has been horribly missed when he is forced to play in the defense (or not at all), and it will be amazing to have him back where he belongs and where he is most comfortable.

Propped in front of them, as the center of the midfield three, I am optimistically thinking that it will be Aaron Ramsey who gets the start. With the Southampton game occurring so recently, Mkhitaryan may be the impact savior from the bench, with Ozil also an option.

Plus, we know how much Ramsey loves to beat Spurs, so it would be cruel (even more cruel, I should say), to deny him that honor.

That is then best midfield we can put together. Guendouzi is missing, I know, but right now, his lack of positional awareness can be saved for if we need an energetic burst from the bench, which we just might.

Last but the opposite of least, our front two.