Arsenal vs Bournemouth predicted starting XI: Safe for Mesut Ozil?

Midfield

I literally love our midfield so much. I’d have never thought that me, an unabashed Granit Xhaka enthusiast, would be equally excited about the other two midfielders that are orbiting around him, but lo and behold, I am. Maybe it’s because of how much better they make him, who knows.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Sticking with the 4-2-3-1 formation, Emery will have to make that crucial choice between Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi and, again in the essence of preserving weary legs for Spurs at the weekend, I see Guendouzi getting the nod alongside Xhaka.

And what a blessing it is that we suffer nothing from the switch. Guendouzi has been on a tear recently, making this just as viable a pairing as Torreira provides alongside Xhaka. I’ve actually been surprised that Emery hasn’t opted to use Guendouzi more with how well he’s been playing. The lad is settling in incredibly fast.

It’s all in the name of preservation, but again, it’s not like we are lessening the quality of the team by giving Guendouzi the start over Torreira. If nothing else, it’s just another opportunity to see the young man thrive.

Give the short lay-off and Spurs at the weekend, the attack is where things get interesting.