Arsenal vs Liverpool: Predicted starting XI: The debut we’ve waited for

Fullbacks

Unfortunately, this is just one area that the Gunners don’t have a lot of choice in, seeing as how Bellerin and Tierney are both unavailable, and this is the one area where, given the presence of Salah and Mane and their own overlapping fullbacks, I’m a bit worried about.

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Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been pretty good this year, but there are still questions asked about his ability to defend his position. It’s improving, but it isn’t perfect yet. He attacks just fine. Better than fine. But he doesn’t always defend the best.

Nacho Monreal has been tremendous this year, but there is always that looming fact that his speed is dwindling and while he’s been able to freely attack in the opening two matches, he has been known to struggle against quicker flanks like Liverpool absolutely have. If Monreal can stand his own grounds here, I will be sold on this theory that he has, in fact, gotten younger.

On the flip side, we are also in need of these fullbacks to capably attack and provide support for the front three, so this is a big theater of play that won’t get as much help as we might like from our front three.

Moving on to our midfield three.