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

Wide Attackers

There are options here for Unai Emery. More options than we think, and I’m going to be quite curious to see how he approaches his decision making in this arena, because my prediction could end up being way off.

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I have predicted Denis Suarez seemingly every time I’ve had to predict a starting XI and he has yet to be chosen to actually start a match. So no matter how much I feel the urge to predict another start for Suarez, I will instead figure that he will come in once the game is in hand, spotting Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a break.

Because Mkhitaryan will start. Because he has to start. He has been our best player for four straight matches and even if that means we can only get 45 minutes from him ahead of the United match, it is worth it. Give him 45 and let someone else see the game to a close.

Opposite him, I don’t see any reason why Alex Iwobi won’t start again. It’s the same argument I used for Guendouzi – he’s young. He can handle it. Plus, like Torreira, this could be a good match for Iwobi to settle himself down.

Finally, our esteemed No. 10 and striker.