Arsenal vs Wolverhampton predicted XI: Prepare the guns

Centerbacks

Things are getting fuzzy early in this predicted XI. Mostly because we actually have options at centerback. With Sokratis re-emerging from the shadows and David Luiz getting back into the starting XI, Arteta has four actual centerbacks to fill three positions.

That should leave Sead Kolasinac out of the mix, though that may be a bit unfair as he has grown into the role admirably.

I’d expect David Luiz so be in the center of that back three, with Shkodran Mustafi on his right and Rob Holding on his left. I keep finding myself optimistic that this defense is up to the challenge, but every time I say that another voice, seemingly an echo, says “no they aren’t.”

It’s tough. Mustafi and Luiz have such a history of mistakes that it’s impossible to forget about. Meanwhile, Holding was benched against Norwich, though I’m convinced that was more of a rest situation than anything else.

Moving on to the wingbacks.