Arsenal vs Rennes predicted starting XI: Turn this thing around

Fullbacks

No need to be modest here, right? Sure, we still have to defend, but what do they always say? The best form of defense is a good attack? I’m probably fudging that up (maybe on purpose). But for the fullbacks, I don’t think it’s as relevant as it once was, mostly because I’m slating Ainsley Maitland-Niles in to start at righback.

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As a wingback against United, Maitland-Niles was dominant once he had settled in, and you’d have to expect that in a much less chaotic match, he will have less difficulty settling in and thus, will be twice as viable as a defender (or something like that).

No reason not to count on him again when he was such a positive performer last time out.

Opposite him, I’d hope that Sead Kolasinac keeps his place. I know that defending isn’t his specialty, but with so much attacking strength out there, we can allow him to be less vital to the attack, and more of a sideshow, and he can focus more on staying in the defense.

That way, if the emergency does hit and we need him to step into the spotlight more, he is already out there to provide the support.

The midfield pairing is next.