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Right-back: Hector Bellerin
Bellerin is the first-choice right back for the Gunners. Presuming there are no injuries, he should be starting against Atletico Madrid. The full-back can be expected to be heavily involved in keeping Madrid's forwards quiet throughout the match and not allowing their wingers to cross the balls into the box.
Center-back: Shkodran Mustafi
Mustafi struggled in the early stages against Marko Arnautovic in the weekend. Even though Arsenal will not have to deal with Diego Costa who misses out due to a hamstring injury, the Gunners will have to be prepared to face Antoine Greizmann.
The German defender has been preferred as the partner of Laurent Koscielny as Wenger values experience in games. In addition, the center-back is also strong in physical challenges and willing to throw himself into tackles. It will not be the first time Mustafi faces Atletico Madrid as he has played against them while at Valencia.
Center-back: Laurent Koscielny
Vice-captain Koscielny almost led his team to the perfect start against West Ham, however, his header went some distance away from the corner of the goal. The senior defender looked sharp and will surely be in the starting line-up against Atletico.
The Frenchman has stated that his team ought to do Wenger proud in the remaining days of his tenure as the Arsenal manager. The most crucial thing while playing the first leg at home is to preserve a clean sheet. Koscielny has to be on his toes and fast to react when danger lurks around Arsenal's penalty box.
Left-back: Nacho Monreal
Monreal broke the deadlock over the weekend meaning he has now scored 5 goals in the Premier League this season. The left-back will surely be busy on Thursday night but his consistent performances for the team means that he deserves to start against Atletico Madrid.
Although he is not known for scoring headers, he can move around quickly and get away from the defenders marking him.
