Arsenal vs Southampton predicted XI: Don’t be nervous

Fullbacks

As I keep mentioning, Unai Emery got close to making the right personnel decisions against Leicester City, mostly on the defense. But he kind of did a full-on about face with the fullback situation. Which is interesting, because it looks like such an obvious decision to make.

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Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney are so obviously the best combination, and they’ve proven that. They’re really our only two traditional fullbacks at all, who also can play wingback and do so quite well. And yet, against Leicester City, Emery reverted away from Tierney and started Sead Kolasinac at left wingback. To be fair, the Bosnian did well enough, and we shouldn’t have any complaints, but I don’t understand what Tierney did to fall out of favor.

So coming off an international break, with his full compliment of players at his disposal, there is no reason—literally none—why Emery shouldn’t pick his best fullback combination, and that is Bellerin and Tierney.

With their powers combined, I have 100% faith that we will have no problems on either flanks. We will control possession, shut down their width, and be able to spread the match effectively. And that’s the goal.

Centerbacks are next.