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

Fullbacks

It’s going to be an attacking match, right? The Gunners will hope to establish an upper hand early on and score enough goals that they can – again – avoid another first leg like they had against BATE Borisov. That means having fullbacks that can provide width and attacking push. Which fits hand in hand with who is most likely available to start this match – Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

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I was quite surprised to see Kolasinac left out completely against Tottenham, especially after he was pulled off so early against Bournemouth, presumably to save him for the North London Derby.

But that clearly wasn’t the case. Meaning that he is going to be primed for a reemergence in France, where he figures to be a primary attacking force.

Maitland-Niles has been waiting for his return to the starting XI since spending some time on the sidelines, and this is it. In a match where attack should be the priority over defense, Maitland-Niles is the preferred option over Lichtsteiner or the desperation option, Carl Jenkinson.

On to the midfield.