Arsenal vs Valencia predicted starting XI: You ready yet?

Front Three

Last time we were in a situation like this, against Napoli, Unai Emery really went for it with Aaron Ramsey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette all starting. It worked fantastically, and saw the Gunners through to a secure 1-0 win, progressing 3-0 on aggregate.

With Ramsey out, that all changes, and Emery has not made any bones about hiding it. He has categorically shied away from the singular No. 10 as long as Ramsey has been out, but for this one, I think that Emery will make an exception, even if I can’t actually figure out why.

I would actually prefer Henrikh Mkhitaryan to play the No. 10 role, give his work rate, but I think the job will fall to Mesut Ozil in Emery’s last-ditch attempt to elicit some kind of response from German, who is likely going to be forced into an exit that he doesn’t want this summer.

But I’m not completely sold on this prediction. Seriously, Ramsey has messed this all up, and that just speaks so well for the future, doesn’t it? If nothing else, Emery will have a quick hook and get Ozil out of there early if things aren’t working out.

Up front, no surprises, our Player of the Season will start next to our Golden Boot contender.