Arsenal host winless Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in a match the Gunners must take three points from – if they are to mount a serious title bid this season. Last Word on Football brings you the Arsenal predicted lineup, with star striker Gabriel Jesus to miss out after suffering a hamstring injury against Sevilla.
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Arsenal Predicted Lineup
How Arsenal Have Lined Up Recently
Mikel Arteta took a gamble on Tuesday night fielding a strong side against Sevilla in the Champions League. But the 2-1 win came at the cost of a hamstring injury to match winner Jesus, who will miss the clash at the Emirates this weekend. The Gunners looked back to their exhilarating best in southern Spain after a lacklustre performance at Stamford Bridge in their 2-2 draw in their most recent Premier League encounter.
Having started the previous three matches, Arsenal’s experienced midfielder Jorginho seems to have found himself in Arteta’s plans ahead of Thomas Partey and summer signing Kai Havertz. But it is the club captain, Martin Odergaard, who looks like he may need a break, having started nearly all of the Gunners’ matches this season.
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Having seen his country miss out on an automatic place at the European Championship next summer, the Norwegian has been uncharacteristically sloppy in possession and unable to influence matches to his usual standard since the most recent international break.
Jesus, previously described as a “tremendous player” was outstanding against Sevilla, with a goal and an assist – but all Arsenal fans would have been worried when the Brazilian hobbled off with ten minutes to go. His replacement, Eddie Nketiah, has been out of the goals of late, and the Arsenal boss will be holding his breath that his hamstring injury is not as severe as first feared.
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Changes We May See
Despite his struggles of late, David Raya is likely to keep his place as he seems to have cemented himself as the first-choice goalkeeper over Aaron Ramsdale. In defence, Takehiro Tomiyasu was brilliant on Tuesday night and will play a key role this season for Arteta’s side, but expect Oleksandr Zinchenko to come back into the side at left back to play alongside Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
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In midfield, Havertz could come into the team against Sheffield United side, who will be tough to break down. The German would operate higher than Jorginho, which may prove vital in breaking down the mid-block that Sheffield United will likely deploy. Thomas Partey has received another setback and is likely to miss the next few weeks – re-enforcing the importance of the marquee signing of Declan Rice in the summer.
Similarly to Partey, no one could deny the brilliance of Jesus up front, but the Brazilian is also prone to injuries and is now likely to miss the next few weeks. The rumour mill continues to turn with the likes of Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen linked to the Emirates this January, as Arteta cannot rely on the availability of Jesus.
Arsenal’s Recent Form and Tactics
Arteta’s side remain unbeaten in the Premier League, winning six and drawing three of their opening nine matches. They also impressed midweek against Sevilla, notwithstanding the poor form the Spanish side find themselves in.
Arsenal have rotated between playing two holding midfielders and two number 8s. This gives the Gunners the tactical edge over the opposition as predicting patterns of play becomes more difficult.
Arsenal’s Injuries to Consider
Arsenal fans will hope that neither Partey’s nor Jesus’s injury will be long-term. Arteta has hinted that both would return within the next few weeks – but with the Gunners schedule particularly packed in the coming weeks, every squad member will play a vital role in helping the side cope with such losses.
The north London side remains without summer signing Jurrien Timber and will continue to be so until well into the new year.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Odergaard, Havertz, Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
