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

Midfield

Since Lucas Torreira is suddenly banned for three matches in the Premier League, he is going to be given free reign in the Europa League, where he will serve as a midfield anchor until that time has elapsed and he can go back to winning balls back fairly and getting red carded for it. Who’s bitter? I’m not bitter.

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This is a match that can greatly benefit Torreira because it will allow him to work on establishing control a bit, and not always being so frantic with the ball at his feet.

As his midfield mate, I’m thinking that Matteo Guendouzi gets the nod, for a couple reasons. For starters, he only played 45 minutes against Spurs, and we will ideally have the luxury of pulling him off early in this one, but he’s young, so even if not, he will be just fine.

Granit Xhaka played the full 90 against Spurs and will be needed for the full 90 against Manchester United, so at most, he may split the time 45/45 with Guendouzi, same as Emery did against Tottenham between Guendouzi and Torreira.

On to the wide attackers, where I’ll take care not to make the same mistake.