Arsenal vs Standard Liege: Predicted XI in Europa League week 2

Front Three

Other than the fullbacks, this is the most exciting part of the pitch, even without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Dani Ceballos and all semblance of veteran leadership. Because this is where the future is becoming the present in a process that is all happening rather quickly.

On the right, you can expect to see Reiss Nelson, who is still struggling to find himself after such a beneficial loan to Hoffenheim. He needs to establish more dominion over the ball, which he hasn’t been able to do, as he’s looked weak and a tad uninspired to start the season.

In the middle, Gabriel Martinelli will likely get another shot, as he was tremendous against Forest, notching two slick goals to secure the lead. There is so much left to see with this kid, and as the season plays out, we’ll get a better sense of how soon that impact can expand into bigger competitions.

Lastly, on the left, I just can’t do without more Bukayo Saka. I know he’s starting in the Premier League as well these days, but being young and physically immaculate, he can handle the workload of starting again here, even if that means being subbed off at half or whatever. He’s just too dynamic and too exciting not to have out there.