Arsenal vs Rennes predicted starting XI: Wherefore art thou, Mesut Ozil?

Centerbacks

In a perfect world, Unai Emery could rest both Sokratis and Laurent Koscielny for this match, but alas, this world is not perfect, and thus one of them will have to play alongside Shkodran Mustafi. I don’t think Emery would be confident enough to start Stephan Lichtsteiner or Nacho Monreal as a stand-in centerback, despite how well they have performed in back three sets. That is, unless he is feeling really ballsy and puts Lichtsteiner and Monreal on either side of Mustafi in a back three.

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But let’s hope not.

Koscielny takes precedence in terms of who needs a rest more, so expect him to be on the sidelines for this one, resting up for the United clash at the weekend.

In his stead, Sokratis and Mustafi will likely get the start. Mustafi will be coming off a really solid performance that has been overlooked for the penalty he surrendered that shouldn’t have counted at all, but it’s unlikely to effect him, as these kinds of mistakes (if you can call it that, given the circumstances) haven’t hampered him in the past.

I would love to see a variation on this, particularly if Emery can find a way around starting Sokratis, but I fully accept that it probably isn’t going to happen.

On to the fullbacks.