Arsenal vs Napoli predicted starting XI: This is the moment

Front Three

This is where Unai Emery has the most choices to make, and also where I have faith that he will make all the right ones.

We don’t have room for luxury players, or anyone who is out of form. I would hate to see Mesut Ozil‘s name anywhere near this starting XI, and depending on how the match goes, I don’t want to see him anywhere near the substitutions either. This is not a match for him, just like Watford wasn’t, and whatever experimentation still needs to be done can be put on hold for this one.

Likewise, Henrikh Mkhitaryan was pretty awful against Watford, and while his engine is valuable, I don’t want him starting. Maybe as a sub over Ozil, if need be.

No, instead, look for Aaron Ramsey and Alex Iwobi to start. Both are in fine form and both are effort-driven players who, even if they struggle for attacking sharpness, will be able to help out on defense and contribute in other ways.

And, up top, Alexandre Lacazette. He was a key no-show against Watford, which means that he will be chomping at the bit to get a chance to bag that crucial away goal against Napoli.