Arsenal vs Valencia: 5 key players to avoid a complete disaster

2. Matteo Guendouzi

I had Lucas Torreira in this slot for the longest time, but it hit me that he played the full 90 against Brighton, and last time that was the case, Torreira was held out of the entire following Europa League match, which makes me think that Torreira is going to be used as a sub here, if need be, leaving Matteo Guendouzi to start the match.

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Whichever of these two starts, they are going to be crucial in winning the battle of the midfield. While Xhaka has the job of not giving up possession, Guendouzi (or Torreira) will have the job of stealing possession from the opposing side.

He can be incredibly influential in this match via energy alone. Swarm the midfield, even if that means doing so like a headless chicken, and relentlessly attack the ball carrier to give us our best chance of making this match just a little bit more uncomfortable for Valencia. That is the big thing here, just inconvenience them. Even if they get by you in the end, just hold them up, slow them down.

And, if you do get possession, give it to Xhaka, let him settle into a calm and take the sting out of the match. A lot can be determined in the midfield battle alone.

Finally, No. 1.