Arsenal vs Molde Predicted Lineup: Changed Team But Same Attitude

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Alex Runarsson (GK) – While there was hardly an endless stream of activity for Runarsson to keep himself occupied against Dundalk, the little he did was actually done quite confidently. He won’t have an easier game all season, but his distribution was accurate and he never looked flustered on the ball. Good early signs, with an emphasis on early.

Cedric Soares (RB) – Our Backup King. The Second Fiddle. Bellerin‘s Portuguese Shadow. Mr Consistently Okay. It’s not going to be anyone else, is it?

Shkodran Mustafi (CB) – We’ve only just finished exhaling the collective sigh of relief when Mustafi’s name wasn’t on the teamsheet for Old Trafford, as Rob Holding turned into prime Randy Orton and miraculously played a full 90 minutes. Hosting Molde, however, will be a good chance for Mustafi to get himself up to speed.

Sead Kolasinac (CB) – There will some movement in this department. Kolasinac played almost entirely as a winger against Dundalk, despite being listed as a central defender pre-match. Given the improved quality of opposition, he isn’t expected to be as adventurous, but he also probably won’t be a centre-back, regardless of whether the lineup puts him in as one.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (LB) – The same can be said of AMN, who essentially tag-teamed Kolasinac last time out down that flank. He occasionally drifted infield but had little to no impact and was probably the weakest link on the pitch. Having lost his spot in the team, he needs to do more to wrestle his way back into contention.