Arsenal vs BATE Borisov: Predicted XI with all eyes on Aubameyang

Back Three

I can totally understand the moans and groans that I can hear through your screen. A back three is probably not the best way to go about this… assuming that we actually had a reliable attacking midfield to count on. But so long as we don’t, the back three gives us our best possible creation options.

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Given the lack of choice along the back line, Unai Emery isn’t going to have much thinking to do to pick his centerbacks, assuming he does pick three of them. We can all breathe a sigh of relief when Luarent Koscielny comes out as the central pivot, and then we can collectively hold our breath as Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal flank him.

Honestly, it’s not the worst set-up. This defense, while still flimsy, is really coming around, thanks massively to Koscielny, who has ensured that at least someone back there knows where to be and when to be there.

Monreal is competent as well, though, and Mustafi is always capable of surprises, for better or worse.

I wouldn’t expect Emery to mess around with the back three long if this match doesn’t go his way. Expect subs at half if a lead can’t be established.

Onto the reason why we are even bothering with a back three – the wingbacks.