Arsenal Team News against Nottingham Forest: Partey, Rice

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30-01-2024

Arsenal will look to add to their win over Crystal Palace when they travel to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The Gunners returned after a two-week break to comprehensively beat Palace in a reassuring performance. They will need more of that to get the better of Forest who can cause problems in their home ground.

There is only one injury problem for Mikel Arteta to worry about and that is Jurrien Timber. The former Ajax man who was injured in the season’s first match against Forest is still on the recovery road. There is some optimism that we could be seeing him soon.

The good news is that Thomas Partey is back in training and that gives the midfield a huge boost, although it is unlikely that he will take any part in this game. Having a player of his caliber allows Arteta to rotate his players a lot more and they can adapt to different opponents.

Mohamed Elneny is unavailable having just returned from International duty, while a call on the availability of Declan Rice and Gabriel will be taken just before the game.

Arsenal Fever View:

For the north Londoners, the main danger lies in the form of Chris Wood whose aerial ability is exceptional. If he can be taken care of, it drastically increases the winning chances of the visitors.

That also depends on how much of an influence Bukayo Saka is allowed to have. The word allowed is key because teams will try their best to give him as little time as possible. The England international has shown that he can find solutions to problems thrown at him and the team’s fortunes will be based on how well he can do that.

What will make Arteta happy is that the team looked a lot more refreshed against Palace as a result of the break they had. With games coming thick and fast, there may not be time to take a breather, so these short breaks are essential.

Arsenal can add some much-needed momentum to their season by getting a few wins on the trot. Each game is an opportunity, and it is up to the players to make use of it. Arteta knows what his team is capable of and would want them to show it at the City Ground.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Crystal Palace: Havertz, Kiwior

By

Nithyanand

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20-01-2024

Arsenal return to football this weekend as they get ready to host Crystal Palace at the Emirates in what has become a must-win game, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners have been in a terrible run of form that has seen them lose their last two Premier League matches. They have also been knocked out of the FA Cup after they lost to Liverpool.

David Raya will return in goal to replace Aaron Ramsdale and the on-loan keeper would be very keen on getting a clean sheet. As for the full-backs, it is most likely that Ben White and Jakub Kiwior will start.

The centre-backs pick themselves in the form of the trusted duo of William Saliba and Gabriel. Both need to ensure that they deal with set-pieces carefully as Palace can be quite dangerous for them.

In midfield, there is less chance of Arteta looking to experiment so, he will go with the trio that has started for most of the season. Declan Rice will be at the base of midfield three with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard playing further forward.

Havertz in particular has a lot riding on this game as he needs to make his presence felt more often. Late runs into the box and being willing to carry the ball through the opposition defence will be important.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will start on the wings, and they need to find their shooting boots very soon. The two are excellent at creating chances but finishing has become a problem.

Gabriel Jesus missed the FA Cup with an injury and if he is declared to be not fully fit, we will see Eddie Nketiah start the game. The Englishman has shown in the past how clinical he is in front of the goal. A reminder of those abilities will do the north Londoners a world of good.

Arsenal need to get the three points no matter what. This is necessary if they are to keep up with those ahead of them on the table. Given that it is a home game, a victory for the hosts is expected.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Crystal Palace (4-3-3):

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

Arsenal Team News against Crystal Palace: Zinchenko, Jesus

By

Nithyanand

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20-01-2024

Arsenal get thrown into another London derby on Saturday as they are set to host Crystal Palace in an extremely important game, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The Gunners have been on a two-week break after the disappointing FA Cup exit to Liverpool. Having had some time to recover and rethink recent disappointments, fans will be hoping to see a more energised team that can get the three points.

Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber are currently the long-term absentees who will take some time to make a comeback. Another player who may not make it to the matchday squad is Gabriel Jesus, who is nursing an injury as well. If the Brazilian is declared fit, it will be a big boost for the hosts.

The injury woes continue for Mikel Arteta and the north Londoners as Alex Zinchenko is recovering from an injury. The Ukraine international might not make it in time for Saturday meaning that Jakub Kiwior will have to cover. Takehiro Tomiyasu is away on national duty, so he misses out too.

Arsenal Fever View:

Despite the number of players that are missing out, there is still a lot of talent present in this team. It is enough to get the better of Roy Hodgson’s men who are quite potent. That can be seen from set-pieces as they have a few players who are strong in the air.

As for the Gunners, they need to focus on taking their chances as that has been a real problem over the past few games. In the matches they have lost, the opposition has always scored after Arteta’s men miss a few good chances.

If the finishing can be rectified, then it can drastically improve the chances of a home win. Some of the onus will fall on Kai Havertz who has to prove that he can affect matches a lot more.

Arsenal have a chance to get their league campaign back on track but if they get anything other than a win, it won’t look good. Arteta will want his players to establish dominance from the first minute and ensure the result goes their way.

Arsenal should sign Alexander Isak, feels Rio Ferdinand

By

Nithyanand

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16-01-2024

Arsenal have been urged to sign Newcastle United star forward Alexander Isak by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand on his FIVE podcast.

The Swede moved to England in the summer of 2022 and has proven to be an instant hit with his combination of skill and strength. He has already matched his Premier League goal tally of last season and it looks like the 24-year-old is headed for greater heights.

Speaking on his podcast, Ferdinand had this to say about the striker:

“Alexander Isak was running in behind constantly [against Manchester City], if I’m Arsenal, I’m going all out and buying him.”

One reason why Newcastle might sell their star is because of the financial situation they find themselves in. To this, Ferdinand added:

“Why? They can’t spend… they’re struggling with [profit and sustainability rules].”

Arsenal Fever View:

If the Gunners did manage to get enough funds to sign the Swedish international, it would be quite a coup. As Isak is a player who is entering his prime, this would be the perfect time to bring him to the Emirates.

Though the north Londoners have a top-class forward in Gabriel Jesus, adding another star would only elevate the attack. One aspect that might complicate this transfer is the competition that will be present.

There are a lot of teams that would want a forward of the calibre of Isak and they might be willing to pay that little extra to get the deal over the line. But if the Gunners want to take that next step forward and win the league, a move like this makes that happen.

Given how finances are tight at the moment, it is unlikely that a move will take place in January. Any potential transfer will have to wait until the summer as that will give both clubs some wiggling room to be better placed in the market.

Arsenal know that they are not very far away from winning the big trophies, they just need that little extra to push them in front of others. That can certainly come in the form of a player such as Isak who has that special quality in front of goal.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Aston Villa: Rice, Jesus

By

Nithyanand

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09-12-2023

Arsenal travel north for one of the toughest challenges in the Premier League as they get ready to face Aston Villa, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners left it till the last kick to get the three points against Luton Town. That win has kept them on top of the league, but the manager and players will be aware of the challenge that awaits them.

David Raya had a hugely disappointing night at Luton as he was at fault for two of the three goals. Despite this, the Spaniard will continue to remain in goal. Arteta would have loved to have played Takehiro Tomiyasu in this game but the Japanese’s injury means that Ben White will start along with Alex Zinchenko.

William Saliba and Gabriel will have a huge task on their hands as they look to keep Ollie Watkins and co. at bay. Villa have an attack that comes at defences with a lot of verve and particular attention needs to be given to set pieces.

Jorginho should start this game as the midfield needs more protection given the firepower the hosts have. The Italian would be paired with Declan Rice to make the middle harder to get through which will be crucial when defending counters.

Kai Havertz will be on the bench giving Martin Odegaard full licence to be the creative hub of the team. The captain needs to step up and be more involved in the game otherwise, it will be difficult for the visitors to create any chances.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings will be the biggest threat that the north Londoners have. Due to the intense pressing that Unai Emery likes to implement, there will be gaps that open which will help the wingers.

Gabriel Jesus will start as the centre forward and his ability to knit the attack together is a big boost. If the Brazil forward can take his chances, it gives the league leaders a great chance of getting a win.

Arsenal need to make a statement by getting something out of this game. Getting a win is extremely tough against a team that has won 14 home games in a row. But Arteta will be aware that his players have what it takes.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Aston Villa (4-3-3):

David Raya, Ben White, Wiliam Saliba, Gabriel, Alex Zinchenko, Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal Team News against Aston Villa: Tomiyasu, Partey

By

Nithyanand

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09-12-2023

Arsenal head to Villa Park to take on one of the most in-form teams in the division as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa welcome the league leaders, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The north Londoners had to dig deep at Luton Town to get a last-gasp winner that ensured they remained at the top. A repeat of that kind of performance at the weekend will ensure that the hosts get their 15th consecutive win at home.

A major blow is the absence of Takehiro Tomiyasu who is injured once again. If fit, it is almost a certainty that the Japan international would have started to nullify the threat Villa possess on the wings.

Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber are the other players who are injured and will take some time to return. Mikel Arteta will be concerned with rotating his defenders but apart from that, the squad is in good shape with no new injury concerns.

Arsenal Fever View:

For the Gunners to get a win, they will have to produce one of their best performances of the season. That is the level at which Villa have been playing. This is a team that dominated Manchester City a few days ago and is quite dangerous.

The visitors need to focus on getting the most out of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The wingers have the ability to get past Villa full-backs who themselves like to attack at every opportunity.

Being clinical in front of goal is the best way to get past Villa who will look to be direct with their pressing and direct running. The likes of Leon Bailey, Moussa Diaby and Ollie Watkins have more than enough pace and skill to hurt the north Londoners.

One name that Arteta would have told his players to be careful about is Douglas Luiz. The midfielder who is also linked with a move to the Emirates is deadly from set pieces. If this aspect is taken care of, it mitigates a lot of problems.

Arsenal have shown that they can get past tough games and if they do so on Saturday, it will send a message to the rest of the league. Arteta will hope that the players can avoid mistakes and seal the three points.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Wolves: Martinelli, Saka

By

Nithyanand

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02-12-2023

Arsenal return to Premier League action as the league leaders as they welcome Wolves to the Emirates, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

It was a game to remember on Wednesday as the Gunners romped past French side Lens in a 6-0 win. This victory not only helped them qualify for the round of 16 in Europe but also confirmed them as the group leaders.

David Raya will continue in goal after missing out on the last league game. Along with him, it is likely to be a start and return to the playing XI for Ben White. The Englishman will be flanked by the usual presence of Alexander Zinchenko.

William Saliba and Gabriel had a pretty easy outing during the week but will have to be at the top of their game to prevent Wolves from scoring. The visitors have an exciting attack that can hurt a lot of teams.

Arteta might prefer having Jorginho in the middle as the former Chelsea man offers more protection. This will also free up Declan Rice who can play a more advanced role and influence the game more directly.

It is a choice between Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard for the other slot in midfield, but the manager is more likely to go with his captain. Havertz can be brought on later in the game to offer a different kind of threat.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli continue on the wings, and both are in excellent form. This bodes well for the hosts who need to ensure they get the three points with such heavy competition breathing down their necks.

Gabriel Jesus had a great game against Lens and would be starting on Saturday as well. The Brazilian is certainly in the groove and would want to add to his goal tally. If the team can create chances for the forward, it will be much easier to win.

Arsenal know how tough it will be to get the better of Wolves so they cannot afford the opposition any chance from the get go. If the hosts can take their chances, it should prove to be a comfortable outing.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Wolves (4-3-3):

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

Arsenal Team News against Wolves: Jesus, Smith Rowe

By

Nithyanand

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01-12-2023

Arsenal go into Saturday’s match against Wolves as the Premier League leaders and look to keep the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool at bay, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The Gunners had a statement performance on Wednesday as they ran riot against Lens in a 6-0 win. Having confirmed their presence in the next round of the Champions League, they will face a tougher challenge this weekend.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed there are no new injury concerns from midweek. Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber are the two players who continue to remain on the sidelines. The Spanish boss would want both of them back as it offers him a lot of options in terms of team selection.

The good news is that Gabriel Jesus looks to be back to his best and Ben White has returned after a small injury. Though Takehiro Tomiyasu has proven to be more than an able deputy, it is good to have first-choice players back in the mix.

Arsenal Fever View:

Wolves are an exciting team who play intense football with a fast tempo. Their pressing has caused a lot of problems to opposition teams this season. This is one aspect that the hosts have to be wary of as the visitors can hit them on the counter.

The best way to counter this is to have a lot of the ball and use it efficiently as well. If the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli can get on the ball a lot, it will effectively ensure that the Wolves full-backs have to stay back.

Set pieces are another area where Gary O’Neill’s men can create chances as they have a few players who are really good in the air. If the north Londoners can make sure that they stay vigilant and prevent too many chances from being created, they will be in a good position.

Arsenal have already shown that they have what it takes to win a game even when the going gets tough. Wolves will be a good challenge for this squad but they do have the personnel to handle it. A home win should be the outcome and it is one that Arteta would be expecting.

Arsenal Team News against Lens: Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira

By

admin

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29-11-2023

Arsenal turn their attention to continental football as they get ready to take on Ligue 1 side Lens in a fixture that can go a long way in helping them qualify for the round of 16, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

Thanks to a goal from Kai Havertz in the dying stages of the game, the Gunners have moved to the top of the Premier League. Buoyed by this, they will be confident of taking revenge on the visitors who beat the hosts in the reverse fixture.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Fabio Vieira has undergone surgery and will be out of action for a few weeks, which is a huge blow to the Emirates side. Thomas Partey is still out while Jurrien Timber is of course on the recovery road, but it will be a long time before we get to see him.

Having Gabriel Jesus back in the fold is a big boost for the north Londoners as the Brazil international is such a transformative player. Emile Smith Rowe is a doubt given that he did not make the last matchday squad.

Arsenal Fever View:

For the Gunners, the equation is quite simple. They just need a win to ensure that they can finish on top of their Champions League group. Having already played Lens once, they will be aware of the quality that the team from France possesses.

The onus is on the frontline who need to ensure that they are on their game. Otherwise, it will give the visitors some hope of nicking a point or maybe more. As for Lens, they are excellent on the counter and the home defence needs to keep an eye on that.

Arteta will be keen on his team clicking in the final third as they are more likely to have space when compared to the Premier League. Whether they take advantage of the chances they create is what will determine the outcome of this game.

Arsenal have recovered well after losing to Lens in the second matchday. They look set to finish on top of their group which is surely a great way to return to this competition. Knowing what this team is capable of, one can expect to see the home side pick up three points.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Lens: Jesus, Odegaard

By

admin

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29-11-2023

Arsenal continue their Champions League campaign on Wednesday when they welcome French side Lens to the Emirates in a game that can cement their position, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners had to dig deep but they emerged victorious at Brentford thanks to an inspired bit of play from Kai Havertz. Taking that confidence into this midweek fixture will surely help them seal top spot in their group.

David Raya will come in place of Aaron Ramsdale and the Spaniard would be keen to showcase his skills to the boss. In defence Ben White will take his place on the right side with Alex Zinchenko filling in on the left.

Given the importance of this game, it is highly unlikely that Arteta would want to change the successful combination of William Saliba and Gabriel. These two will be aware that the visitors can use their physicality to create chances.

In midfield, we could see Jorginho given a start as the north Londoners would want a little more solidity in the middle. Bringing in the Italian would also allow Declan Rice to play further forward and influence the attack a lot more.

Captain Martin Odegaard has been off the boil in the past few weeks and would look at this game as one where he can get back to form. If the Norway international can get more on the ball in the final third, the hosts have a great chance of winning.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will start on the wings and would be relishing the prospect of more space available thanks to an European opponent. If these two can use their speed to attack, Lens will find it very difficult to keep them quiet.

Gabriel Jesus is likely to start again as he is getting back to full fitness. The Brazilian has had a great Champions League so far and would want to keep that going.

Arsenal know that a win almost certainly guarantees them a place in the next round of the competition. Taking care of business on Wednesday would be a proper sign of intent.

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

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