Arsenal travel to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium for a crucial Champions League match against out-of-form Sevilla who are winless in their opening two group stage matches. Last Word on Football predicts how the Gunners will lineup with an opportunity for Thomas Partey from the start.
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Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Sevilla
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How Arsenal Have Lined Up Recently
Arsenal’s lineup against Chelsea was on paper, one of the strongest they have fielded so far this season. It was the first time we have seen Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli start together but the Gunners flattered to deceive and were lucky to escape with a point.
Mikel Arteta’s side never managed to get control of the match at Stamford Bridge despite having two deep-lying, ball-playing midfielders in Declan Rice and former Blue Jorginho. The experienced Brazilian was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and was replaced by out-of-favour Emile Smith-Rowe with over 20 minutes to play.
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At the back, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s defensive fragility was magnified by the directness and speed of Raheem Sterling. The North London side will be happy to come away with a point but it does not take the shine off what has been a strong start to the season remaining unbeaten in the league and having beaten the champions Manchester City in their previous match.
Getting set for Sevilla 👊
📍 London Colney pic.twitter.com/4D3KiB6ztL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 23, 2023
Arsenal Changes We May See
Despite his poor performance at Stamford Bridge and the powerhouses of Rice and Thomas Partey, Jorginho is by no means surplus to requirements at the Emirates and if Arsenal are going to mount a title bid, his tempo-based style will be crucial whether that be off the bench or from the start. Nevertheless, Partey is likely to return to the starting lineup in his stead as the Ghanian provides more solidity in front of the back four with Arteta describing him as ‘super important’
Expect Leandro Trossard to come in for Martinelli on the left wing. Despite lacking the Brazilian’s fear factor, Trossard has been more effective with two more goals than Martinelli in all competitions this season and providing the 84th-minute equaliser against Chelsea after coming off the bench.
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The ever-reliable Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to come into defence with Zinchenko likely to make way. The versatile defender can play anywhere across the back four but has not started a game since the dreadful defeat away to Lens in the Gunners’ last Champions League outing.
Arsenal’s Recent Form and Tactics
The manager seems to have favoured playing with two holding midfielders and Martin Odergaard as a number 10 of late instead of playing with two number 8s with Kai Havertz next to the club captain.
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This decision may be a forced one with the German taking his time to find his form at his new home but there is no doubt that the solidity of two holding midfielders brought them success in the top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City. The Gunners will set up in a 4-3-3 with the left back inverting into midfield to create an overload to break through the Sevilla press.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
The flurry of short-term injuries Arsenal were dealing with before the international break has thankfully subsided with William Saliba, Saka, Trossard, and Martinelli all involved against Chelsea.
The only long-term injury remains Jurrien Timber with the summer signing not expected to return until the spring.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Rice, Partey, Odergaard, Saka, Jesus, Trossard.
