Arsenal predicted lineup vs PSV Eindhoven

Arsenal predicted lineup vs PSV Eindhoven

Mikel Arteta will hope to make Arsenal’s long-awaited return to the Champions League a memorable one when they kick their campaign off against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Not since 2016/17 have Arsenal dined at Europe’s biggest table but big things are expected of the Gunners after their explosion on to the scene last season.

With a handful of fitness concerns to address, here’s how Arteta could set up for this famous return.

Trossard was Arsenal’s hero against Everton / Michael Regan/GettyImages

GK: David Raya – One of the biggest decisions comes in goal. Arteta attracted the spotlight as he picked Raya over Aaron Ramsdale against Everton, and with the Spaniard keeping a clean sheet, it’s hard to see another change coming.

RB: Ben White – Jurrien Timber was left out of the Champions League squad after suffering a nasty knee injury so expect White to keep hold of this spot until January at the earliest.

CB: William Saliba – The Frenchman has featured in both the Europa League and Conference League and is now set to add an appearance in the Champions League to his increasingly impressive CV.

CB: Gabriel Magalhaes – A knock-on effect of Timber’s absence, Gabriel will now see regular minutes here as White has to cover out wide again.

LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – Now back from his injury, Zinchenko’s style of play is crucial to how Arteta wants to do things.

DM: Declan Rice – Thomas Partey is out injured but his chances of starting ahead of Rice were incredibly slim anyway.

CM: Martin Odegaard – Captain Odegaard has embraced his role as Arsenal‘s leader and looks capable of inspiring those around him.

CM: Fabio Vieira – With the Kai Havertz experiment getting off to a stuttering start, Vieira deserves a chance to make this spot his own.

RW: Bukayo Saka – Saka had not even appeared for Arsenal’s Under-18 side when the Gunners last played Champions League football.

ST: Gabriel Jesus – Is he fit enough to start? The Brazilian hasn’t played many minutes since his comeback but Arteta may take a gamble here.

LW: Leandro Trossard – After Gabriel Martinelli limped off injured, Trossard came on to score the winner against Everton. Expect the Belgian to get the nod from the off.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP

Read More

Zaļā Josta - Reklāma