Arsenal Team News against Manchester City: Saka, Martinelli

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31-03-2024

Arsenal will face off against Manchester City in what promises to be one of the biggest games of the season, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The Gunners will have had some time to get ready for one of their biggest challenges this season. Getting the three points against City will not be easy but the visitors need to ensure that they do not lose.

There are several players who are doubts for this game, and that is sure to worry Mikel Arteta. There is some doubt over the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli. Not having any one of them will be a huge blow for the team.

Arteta would wait and see what his options are going to be like and look to find an answer to the Pep Guardiola conundrum. Apart from these three and Jurrien Timber, the rest of the squad is fit and that should give the manager some confidence.

Arsenal Fever View:

For the north Londoners to be victorious, they need to ensure that Kevin de Bruyne does not influence the game. If the Belgian is allowed to make his passes and set the tempo, it is difficult to stop the hosts.

As for the visitors, the likely absence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will significantly hamper the way they can counter. Arteta will have to think of different ways of getting past the press of City and that is where Kai Havertz could come in handy.

Having already gotten the better of City this season, the Gunners would be confident of their chances. And they also know that their destiny is in their hands and can take control of the league that they let slip last year. Given the importance of this match, the league leaders will give it their all.

Arsenal have a chance to set the pace as the season heads into the last 10 games of the season. With both City and Liverpool breathing down their necks, it is important to get as many points as possible. If Arteta can return to London with the three points, it will give the team some more impetus to win the title.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Porto: Odegaard, Jesus

By

Nithyanand

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12-03-2024

Arsenal shift their focus to the Champions League and Porto after going top of the table with the win on Saturday, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners had to dig deep, but they were able to find the winner against Brentford thanks to a late goal from Kai Havertz. And as a result of the draw between Manchester City and Liverpool, they are top of the league for the first time since Christmas.

David Raya will be back in goal and the Spaniard’s ability on the ball will be crucial to keep the momentum going. Despite Alex Zinchenko being fit, Jakub Kiwior would be the one to start along with Ben White.

William Saliba and Gabriel might not have much to do in terms of defending but they still need to stay sharp especially when there is a counterattack brewing. They can make their presence felt on the other end of the pitch as well.

Jorginho is sure to start on Tuesday as it will give the north Londoners more control in the middle of the pitch. It will also allow Declan Rice to join the attack and the Englishman has already shown that he can make a difference there as well. The midfield three will be rounded off by Martin Odegaard.

Gabriel Martinelli will most likely be out for this game as he is recovering from a cut on his leg. That should mean Gabriel Jesus being given a chance to play on the left wing with Bukayo Saka on the right.

The Brazilian has been in great form in Europe and would want to add to his goal tally and this would be a great time to do so. It would also mean that Kai Havertz will continue upfront, a role that seems to be suited to his style of play.

Arsenal and Arteta will be aware of how much is riding on this one game. It has been so long since the Gunners were in the Champions League and to be potentially knocked out at this stage again would be a massive blow. Though the Portuguese giants are a solid team, the hosts would be confident of their chances of progressing.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Porto (4-3-3):

David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz

Arsenal Team News against Porto: Martinelli, Tomiyasu

By

Nithyanand

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12-03-2024

Arsenal face an uphill task in the Champions League as they look to overcome a one goal lead against Porto to advance to the quarter-finals, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The Gunners go into this important clash as the Premier League leaders owing to the favourable results over the weekend. That is sure to give them a lot of confidence ahead of what is sure to be a tough, bruising game.

Gabriel Martinelli didn’t make the matchday squad on Saturday, as the winger is recovering from a cut on his leg. However, Mikel Arteta confirmed that the Brazilian could yet feature although it would be touch and go. Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in training and might get involved in some capacity.

Apart from them, the only real absentee is Jurrien Timber who is back in full training but could be some way away from making a comeback to the squad.

Arsenal Fever View:

For the north Londoners, the equation is quite simple, they need to score goals and they might need a few of them. The last-minute winner in the first leg was a hammer blow but the team should not let that get them down.

They have more than enough talent to get the better of the Portuguese giants. Backed by a raucous home crowd, the north Londoners in all likelihood will advance to the next round. But in a competition such as this, there are no guarantees.

A lot of the onus will fall on the shoulders of Martin Odegaard who was kept quiet in the first leg thanks to diligent marking and defending from Porto. They will try to limit the captain’s influence but the likes of Jorginho and Declan Rice can help circumvent this, it will give the hosts a great platform to win.

Arsenal have found themselves in this kind of a position in the past and have shown that they can turn things around. A performance for the ages will be needed to reach the quarterfinals. If they can do that, nothing can stop them from going further in the competition.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Brentford: Ramsdale, Kiwior

By

Nithyanand

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09-03-2024

Arsenal welcome Brentford to the Emirates on Saturday with a chance to get to the top of the Premier League, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners have started the year in scintillating form as the goals are flowing and the defence has been solid. Despite this, it will not be an easy game against the Bees, who themselves are in a position where they are fighting relegation.

David Raya will be missing the game since he is on loan from the visitors and that will give Aaron Ramsdale a chance to play in goal. The Englishman has had very few chances to play this season and would want to make a good impression.

As for the full backs, it is going to be the pair of Ben White and Jakub Kiwior as Alex Zinchenko is not yet back from an injury. In the middle it will be William Saliba and Gabriel, and they will have their work cut out against the likes of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo.

Jorginho might be afforded some rest given that the second leg against Porto is looming large. That should see Declan Rice move back into a holding role and will also mean that Kai Havertz plays more withdrawn in midfield. These two will be complemented by Martin Odegaard who would look to set the tempo.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli start on the wings and these two have the skills needed to get the better of Brentford. With their pace and ability on the ball, it will ensure that the wingbacks will have to stay back.

In the middle, Arteta has a couple of choices but Gabriel Jesus is likely to get the go-ahead. The Brazilian came off the bench last week and looked a bit rusty. Giving him more minutes will be helpful ahead of the Porto tie.

Arsenal will know that they cannot keep scoring five six goals every game but they need to get the job done. The visitors are known for making life difficult for teams so, there is no room for complacency. Arteta would want his players to get the job done and put pressure on the other two challengers.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Brentford (4-3-3):

Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal Team News against Brentford: Ramsdale, Martinelli

By

Nithyanand

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08-03-2024

Arsenal have the chance to go top of the Premier League for the first time in a few months as they face Brentford at the Emirates on Saturday, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The Gunners have been in ruthless form as they have scored 31 goals in the last seven league matches. What has also been noteworthy is their defensive solidity as they have conceded only three in the same period.

There is a lot of good news for the north Londoners in terms of absentees as the squad is almost back to full fitness. Martinelli and Saka have slight niggles, but there is hope that the duo will be available for selection.

Jurrien Timber who is still recovering from a ligament tear will miss out. The other notable absentee is Alex Zinchenko. Having the likes of Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus back in the team will surely give Mikel Arteta a big boost. Ramsdale is expected to make a return given that Raya is ineligible to play.

Arsenal Fever View:

The main threat for the visitors lies in their forwards and mainly Ivan Toney. The Englishman will be partnered with either Neil Maupay or Bryan Mbeumo. It doesn’t matter who plays, they are sure to be a handful for the home defence.

For the hosts, it is a case of more of the same as they need to keep piling on the points. They have to be near perfect because of the slip-up they had in December. And a win this weekend would push them above Manchester City and Liverpool, the significance of which is huge.

Given that both the league leaders and City are playing each other on Sunday, this Brentford game automatically takes up much more importance. The Bees haven’t been themselves due to a variety of factors and are fighting the relegation battle.

That should be an indication of how much fight they will put up. They are quite a physical team and are great at pressing. The Gunners do have the skills needed to get the three points, they just need to trust their capabilities.

Arsenal at home will feel confident of getting the better of the Bees but anything can happen in this league. Fans will want to see more of the belligerent north Londoners and would hope to see a few goals scored.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Sheffield United: Kiwior, Saka

By

Nithyanand

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04-03-2024

Arsenal look to keep pace with the rest of their challengers as they travel to Sheffield United on Monday looking to extend their winning streak, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

With Liverpool’s last-gasp win over Nottingham Forest and Manchester United unlikely to get the better of their crosstown rivals, the onus is on the Gunners to keep winning. They have had a great start to the calendar year and will be full of confidence.

David Raya will continue to be in goal and would want another clean sheet added to his name. Given how the Blades have been playing, the Spaniard ideally would not have much to do. As for the full-backs, it is very likely going to be Ben White and Jakub Kiwior.

In the middle of the defence, the commanding presence of William Saliba and Gabriel will stand tall and look to repel anything that Sheffield throws at them. The hosts will try and affect the game from set-pieces which should be the only thing worrying the defence.

Jorginho is one player who might be given a rest given that he will be wanted for more important games. That should mean that Kai Havertz will return in a midfield role. The German along with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice will form the trio in the centre. Though Thomas Partey is said to be back in training and should be on the bench at most.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings is where a lot of the north Londoners attack will come from. They should prove to be quite a handful for Sheffield who have defensively been very weak this season.

As for the striker, it will be a toss-up between Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus. Given that the Brazilian is just returning from an injury, it should be Trossard who gets another chance to start up front. His ability to bring others into the game will be quite helpful.

Arsenal should not be complacent when facing the Blades despite the poor form they find themselves in. For the Gunners, it should be a routine win but they would want to ensure that it remains that way.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Sheffield United: (4-3-3)

David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard

Arsenal Team News against Sheffield United: Partey, Timber

By

Nithyanand

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03-03-2024

Arsenal head north this weekend as they look to continue their winning streak that will see them take on Sheffield United, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The Gunners have been in brilliant form since the beginning of the year as they have beaten the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and West Ham United. The Blades would normally be considered an easy win but this is the Premier League, and anything can happen.

The good news is the return of Jurrien Timber to full training. This is encouraging as it indicates that the defender will play a part in the upcoming games. Thomas Partey is also said to be back in contention which is great news for the team.

As for those who might not make it to the squad, Alex Zinchenko is one the main ones as the Ukraine international is returning from an injury. Mikel Arteta will have Gabriel Jesus back in the lineup, but it remains to be seen if the Brazilian does start the game.

Arsenal Fever View:

For the north Londoners, the equation is simple as they just need to get the three points in the bag. It does not matter if they score one or ten, the result is all that matters. Goals will be expected given recent results, but Arteta would be more interested in the win.

That being said, the attack is firing on all cylinders for the Gunners, and they are playing with an admirable level of confidence. The one thing they need to ensure is that they do not get complacent looking at the level of the opponent.

Focusing on the passing, movement and solidity that is apparent within this group of players is enough to get the result needed. Also, this match could be seen as an opportunity for the visitors to boost their goal difference. As the season goes on, this factor will surely play a vital role.

Arsenal do have what it takes to get an easy win but against a team that is fighting to stay in the league, you can never know what will happen. Despite this, Arteta will feel calm and confident about his team’s chances of a commanding win.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against West Ham: Havertz, Saka

By

Nithyanand

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11-02-2024

Arsenal head into Sunday’s London derby against West Ham United on the back of a potentially season-defining win over Liverpool, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners would have been happy with the kind of performance they put on last week as it helped them cut the lead at the top. That confidence will be needed against the Hammers who have already beaten the visitors twice this season.

David Raya was impressive in goal apart from that own goal which sullied his clean sheet record. West Ham possess a huge threat from set-pieces and the keeper will have to be clear and commanding inside his box to help get a clean sheet.

As for the full-backs, it appears that Alex Zinchenko will be back in the starting XI despite having to be taken off at half-time against Liverpool. He will be flanked by Ben White on the right. William Saliba and Gabriel, the centre-backs should have a tough task on their hands, but they will be up for it.

Jorginho was the man of the match last week and it will be tempting for Arteta to start the Italian. He offers the team a lot more security and allows his partner Declan Rice to be more expressive in attack.

Rice and Martin Odegaard will play ahead of the experienced midfielder and the club captain will look to create many chances. If the three in the middle can control the tempo, it increases the chances for the visitors to win.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will play on the wings and these two with their pace is going to be crucial. It is sure to cause the hosts’ defence a lot of problems. As for the centre forward, with Gabriel Jesus returning from an injury, Kai Havertz should be given another chance.

Arsenal need to keep up their winning streak if they are to give Manchester City and Liverpool any kind of competition. These players are capable of getting the three points despite how good West Ham are, especially at home.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against West Ham United: (4-3-3)

David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Alex Zinchenko, Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz

Arsenal Team News against West Ham United: Saka, Jesus

By

Nithyanand

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10-02-2024

Arsenal head into another London derby on Sunday as they take on West Ham United who have already beaten the Gunners twice this season, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

After a hugely important win over Liverpool, the north Londoners will be confident that they can get the better of the Hammers. Doing so will not be easy given how much talent the hosts possess.

As for people who are going to miss out, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Thomas Partey is unavailable. The Ghana midfielder is still recovering from an injury, and it could take some more time for him to be back.

Saka limped off with a niggle last weekend but will be available for Sunday. Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also in contention but the Spanish boss revealed that a decision on their availability will only be taken after today’s training session

Arsenal Fever View:

David Moyes and the Hammers have proven to be kind of a bogey team for the north Londoners over the last couple of years. Having already lost to them in the Premier League, getting the three points becomes even more crucial.

West Ham are particularly good at set pieces where they can use their muscle and power to create chances. They also have the wonderful abilities of James Ward-Prowse who can cause a lot of damage.

For the visitors, it will depend a lot on how they can involve someone like Kai Havertz involved in the game. He was key to getting the better of both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahim Konate.

A lot of the spotlight will be on Declan Rice who didn’t start the last time these two teams met at the Hammers’ ground. The Englishman will have a point to prove against a crowd that is sure to be hostile against him.

Arsenal have a great chance to show that the Liverpool result was not a one-off. They have the talent to get a win and would be confident that they can turn the tide around to continue their charge for the league title.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Nottingham Forest

By

Nithyanand

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30-01-2024

Arsenal get back into action after another long break as they are set to travel up north to face Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners got their league campaign back on track as they beat Crystal Palace 5-0 a few days ago. This will be a tougher challenge as they are set to take on a team that is looking to steer itself away from the relegation zone.

David Raya will once again start in goal and will look to replicate his performance against Crystal at the City Ground. As for the full-backs, it is going to be the usual pairing of Ben White and Alex Zinchenko.

It will be the same for centre-backs as well with William Saliba and Gabriel starting in the middle. These two have to be particularly wary of Chris Wood who is in a rich vein of form at the moment.

Though Thomas Partey is back in training, he will likely be on the bench for this game. That means Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz would start as the midfield three. This is the combination that Arteta tends to prefer. The Ghana international might be given a few minutes off the bench.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will carry the bulk of the attacking responsibility as their ability on the wings is very dangerous. If they can get into good positions and attack the hosts’ full-backs, it opens up a lot of opportunities for the north Londoners.

Gabriel Jesus will start as the central forward and his ability to bring others into the game is going to be crucial. If the Brazilian showcases his clinical side, then it should become an easy win for the visitors.

Arsenal need to continue winning but it will not be easy against a team fighting for their survival. Forest have the pace and power to disrupt the Gunners but Arteta and his men should focus on what they are good at. Should that happen, it will be an easy win for the team traveling up north.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Nottingham Forest (4-3-3):

David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Alex Zinchenko, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus