Arsenal vs Watford: Predicted starting XI in must-have away match

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal celebrates after the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Stade Rennais at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal celebrates after the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Stade Rennais at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Ainsley Maitland-Niles
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Wingbacks

It’s no secret who the two are here. It’s going to be Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac, not just because there are no other options, but because these two are just deadly, and they’re starting to get to a complimentary state as well, where if one slacks, the other picks up the influence. It’s been a rare match when they’ve both been in top form, but I’m down for another.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

I think that’s the most exciting thing though. It’s been all Ainsley Maitland-Niles lately, with his slick attacking play and his remarkable ability to actually defend his flank as well (crazy, right?).

But no matter how much Maitland-Niles dominates, it’s impossible to forget that Kolasinac has arguably been our most consistent player this year, and there were times where he was the only thing that was actually working on the entire club.

So I’m almost more excited for the potential return of top-form Kolasinac than I am for the continued top-form of Maitland-Niles, but let’s be honest, either one is good, as long as one of them is working.

It’s getting more exciting as we move up the pitch! On to the midfield duo.