Rapid Vienna vs Arsenal Predicted Lineup: European Football is Back!

Arsenal Wing-Backs & Midfielders

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1316039591791603713

Cedric Soares (RWB) – Our trusted full-back. I never liked the signing in the first place – not on a ridiculous four-year deal anyway and not for the fee we played when he didn’t even kick a ball – but I’ve warmed to Cedric of late.

Far from a top four right-back, the 29-year-old is solid and reliable enough that he doesn’t fill me with dread when his name pops up on the team sheet. No doubt he’ll make a few errors, but I also reckon he’ll chime in with a few wicked crosses and the odd 7/10 game. Good backup.

Thomas Partey (CM) – Do I necessarily agree with this? Well, there are two parts to that. Firstly, it’s what I think Arteta will do. Secondly, I think he wants him to start against Leicester and every minute on the pitch is valuable time to absorb the philosophy, one which Arteta sees Partey as integral to.

Scoring early, or at least being comfortable, could result in a 60-minute or so substitution which would put in him a position to start on Sunday. This is the ideal, anyway, as we all want to see him starting every week.

Mohamed Elneny (CM) – With bombarding wing-backs we can afford to be more conservative in the centre of the park, which is why Arteta could go with Elneny instead of Joe Willock. As touched upon, Thursday will be about starving Rapid of possession and wearing them down, and Elneny’s improved short-to-mid range of pass will work well in maintaining control.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (LWB) – Bukayo Saka starts in the Premier League every week. On current form he’s our best player, so there is no way he comes into this clash from the off. Maitland-Niles was given a rest against Manchester City and will be fresh for the trip to central Europe, so he’ll get the nod.