Arsenal vs Manchester City predicted XI: The FA Cup is serious

Wingbacks

There’s not much to say here. Actually, there is, but it’s almost entirely just me gushing praise for two guys that I just love to see out there on the pitch in these exact positions.

We’ve seen players go in and out of these positions—Bukayo Saka has dabbled at left wingback, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Cedric Soares have touched down at rightback. But Saka has better odds elsewhere, Maitland-Niles is inconsistent and Cedric is unavailable.

Although it’s not like Arteta would need any help getting to his preferred wingback pairing, which is Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney. These guys are so good that I’d argue the 3-4-3 formation is completely worth it because of the wingback situation alone. They’re deadly. And while it puts the back three under a bit of strain, both Mustafi and Kolasinac have the athleticism to cover for their attack-thinking wingbacks.

Midfield is next.