Arsenal Team News against Lens: Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira

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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

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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

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Brentford: Ramsdale, Martinelli

By

Nithyanand

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25-11-2023

Arsenal will resume their Premier League across the city at Brentford in what could prove to be a tricky game against a solid opposition, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners went into the international break with a commanding win over Burnley and would want to keep that momentum going. But the Bees are excellent at home and supported by a vociferous crowd would present a huge obstacle.

One change that will be enforced is the inclusion of Aaron Ramsdale as David Raya is ineligible to play against his parent club. The Englishman will have a point to prove and can do so by getting a clean sheet.

As for the full backs, it is very likely going to be Takehiro Tomiyasu and Alex Zinchenko with the Japan international playing instead of Ben White. William Saliba and Gabriel will complete the rest of the defence.

With Thomas Partey out for an extended period of time, Jorignho should be starting along with Declan Rice to give the midfield more solidity. The Englishman will be able to venture forward and use his presence to create chances.

After missing out on the last game, we could see the return of Martin Odegaard to complete the midfield three. The captain had a good start to the season but has tailed off a little in the last few games. But having the Norway international back in the mix will prove to be beneficial for how Arteta wants to play.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will start on the wing and look to be catalysts of the attack. The wingers with their combination of skill and speed will be key to breaking down the hosts’ defence.

Since Gabriel Jesus is recovering from an injury, he might not be chosen to start and that should give Eddie Nketiah an opportunity to start. He has scored a few goals already and would want to add to his tally.

Arsenal need to keep wining as the competition around them is quite relentless. Doing that against Brentford will be difficult but this team is quite capable of pulling of the result and returning with three points.

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

Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, William Saliba, Gabriel, Alex Zinchenko, Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah

Arsenal Team News against Brentford: Jesus, Odegaard

By

Nithyanand

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25-11-2023

Arsenal will be involved in a London derby on Saturday as they get ready to visit Brentford in what could prove to be a tricky fixture, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The north Londoners will be aware of how difficult it is to play the Bees as Thomas Frank’s team is well organised and difficult to break down. So far, the visitors have shown that they can get the result when needed and three points here would prove to be so crucial.

One player who will not be part of the squad is long-term absentee Jurrien Timber who will be out for a few more months. Thomas Partey has joined him on the treatment table as the midfielder could be out till the end of the year.

Mikel Arteta will be greatly boosted by the return of Gabriel Jesus who played during the week for Brazil. Though the forward might not start the game against Brentford, having him on the bench will increase the team’s chances of winning. Martin Odegaard and Ben White are also in contention, but it remains to be seen if the Spaniard will risk starting either of them.

Arsenal Fever View:

When facing a team such as the hosts, one area to be careful about is set pieces as Brentford are extremely strong in this aspect of the game. To be fair to the visitors, they have been defensively solid, but they should be a little more vigilant this weekend.

As for the attack, it can be argued that the middle of the pitch hasn’t been as friendly as it was to the north Londoners last season. One major reason for that is the absence of Partey who solved a lot of build-up issues with his sheer presence.

It is an important game for Aaron Ramsdale as well as the former numero uno will be playing instead of the ineligible David Raya. The former Sheffield United star will want to show his manager that he still has what it takes to be the first choice.

Arsenal need to be confident and not get bogged down by the incessant pressing that the hosts are going to provide. If they can do this, the technical quality present in the squad is enough to score goals and secure and the win.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against West Ham United

By

Nithyanand

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01-11-2023

Arsenal get to focus on the Carabao Cup on Wednesday as they travel across London to take on West Ham United, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners had the best possible game on Saturday as they emerged comfortable 5-0 winners over Sheffield United. While the Hammers are a completely different proposition, Arteta and his men will be full of confidence.

Aaron Ramsdale could get a start in goal which will allow David Raya some rest. As for the full backs, there could be one change with Takehiro Tomiyasu coming in and Ben White sitting on the bench. The Japanese star will be along with Alex Zinchenko.

As for the centre backs, there is a good chance that Gabriel comes in to replace Jakub Kiwior. The Brazilian will be along with his usual partner in William Saliba. The hosts have a very physical frontline so, they will have to be on top of their game.

Jorginho should start the game as it allows Declan Rice to rest for a while and he can come on from the bench if needed against his former club. Martin Odegaard should return to the starting XI and there is a good chance that Emile Smith Rowe gets another start.

The Englishman is slowly building his way back to full fitness and anther start could be just what he needs to increase his sharpness. Having a fluid midfield will be crucial in getting the better of the Hammers who can be quite aggressive in their pressing.

As for the wingers, Bukayo Saka should start again and on the other flank, we could see Leandro Trossard given a chance. With Gabriel Martinelli slowly getting back to full fitness, the Belgian will be chosen. His impressive cameo against Sheffield was another example of the quality the former Brighton and Hove Albion man possesses.

Eddie Nketiah should get another start with Gabriel Jesus recovering from an injury. Having gotten his first ever Premier League hat trick, the England international would be keen to add to his goal tally. The north Londoners will not have an easy match but should be confident of moving to the quarterfinals.

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

Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, William Saliba, Gabriel, Alex Zinchenko, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah

Arsenal Team News against West Ham United: Odegaard, Jesus

By

Nithyanand

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01-11-2023

Arsenal take a break from their Premier League pursuit to take on West Ham United in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 clash, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The Gunners will come into this game full of confidence after a commanding 5-0 win over Sheffield United during the weekend. If they can win this match, it will send them into the quarterfinals of the competition.

As for the injuries, Martin Odegaard was rested last weekend and that might once again be the case for this game. There are three players who are going to miss out with one of them being long-term absentee Jurrien Timber who is out for a few more months.

Not having the Dutchman is a big blow for the manager because of the sheer versatility the former Ajax man offers.

The other two players who will miss out are Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus. Both of them should be back soon but for now, Arteta will have to find a solution without them. It is encouraging that Mohamed Elneny is back playing as that can ease the burden around the midfield a little.

Arsenal Fever View:

The Carabao Cup is a competition where the north Londoners have reached the latter stages before but haven’t gotten their hands on the trophy in quite some time. While the primary goal for Arteta would be the Premier League or the Champions League, this is a trophy he would like to add to his resume.

Facing West Ham is never an easy task, and the Hammers seem to have found their groove this season after losing their talisman in Declan Rice. While it is unlikely that their former captain will start against them, they have more than enough talent to harm the visitors.

The form of Eddie Nketiah is a big boost for the Gunners who will be keen for the Englishman to be among the goals once again. One facet to look out for is how Kai Havertz may be used for his aerial ability against a physical team such as the hosts.

Arsenal have a good chance to add another trophy to their cabinet this season but they must ensure they are not complacent against West Ham. If the north Londoners can play with their usual fluidity, it should be enough to move on to the next round.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Sheffield United: Nketiah, Raya

By

Nithyanand

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28-10-2023

Arsenal will be back at the Emirates on Saturday to host Sheffield United after a successful outing in the Champions League, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.

The Gunners got back to winning ways in Europe as they got the better of Sevilla in what could prove to be a crucial win. Those three points will give the team a lot of confidence ahead of the Blades visiting.

David Raya is likely to continue in goal despite looking a little shakier in the recent past. It is clear that Mikel Arteta has faith in the Spaniard. As for the full backs, it will be the usual combination of Ben White and Alex Zinchenko.

As for the centre backs, there will not be any changes as William Saliba and Gabriel start. These two need to ensure that the few times Sheffield get the ball in north Londoners’ half, they will have to be carefully dealt with.

For the midfield, we are likely to see the same trio that started in Seville. With Thomas Partey out with an injury, Jorginho will continue at the base of the midfield. This gives Declan Rice the opportunity to play further forward, and that can cause the visitors real problems.

Captain Martin Odegaard will be looking to be more influential as he has looked a bit off the boil in the last few games. The Norwegian has the talent to put his stamp on any game and Arteta will be hoping that he gets to see this side of his talisman soon.

Further forward, the Gunners suffered a big blow with an injury to Gabriel Jesus and that would see Eddie Nketiah start as the central forward. While the Englishman is quite talented, he does not do as much as his Brazilian counterpart. This will limit the hosts in how they play but his finishing if given chances can prove to be deadly.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be on the wings and looking to take on the goalscoring burden. These wingers have the skill and speed to trouble any defence and Arteta will be hoping to see this happen. If these two can get on the ball a lot, the three points are likely to stay at the Emirates.

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

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

Arsenal Team News against Sheffield United: Jesus, Partey

By

Nithyanand

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28-10-2023

Arsenal can focus on the Premier League this weekend as they host one of the newly promoted teams in Sheffield United, so let’s take a look at the latest team news.

The Gunners have to grind hard to get a hard-fought win over Sevilla during the week but it has put them on top of their Champions League group. On the domestic stage, they would like to keep that unbeaten run going.

The long-term absentee still is Jurrien Timber who is suffering from a ligament injury. That is going to take a few more months to heal. Just when it seemed like the whole squad was getting fit, the north Londoners have been hit by a double blow.

Both Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus will be out for a few weeks and that is not an ideal situation to be in. The loss of the latter in particular will damage the fluidity with which the team has been performing.

Arsenal Fever View:

This weekend is going to be one of the easier games that the Gunners have had so far this season. Having said that, it needs to be mentioned that any team is capable of producing a result in the league and both Arteta and the players will be aware of it.

But this is a team that has a legitimate claim to be one of the best in the continent and can put their stamp on this game. If they can score a few goals and not concede any, it bodes well for the overall harmony of the squad.

Given that teams around them don’t seem to be dropping points anytime soon, it becomes all the more important to get wins as and when possible. The likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli can hurt any defence and will be licking their lips at the prospect of what lies ahead on Saturday.

Arsenal have the talent and the temperament to pull off the three points and Arteta will hope he has a comfortable afternoon at the Emirates. The north Londoners are still in the hunt for the league title despite a few hiccups but need to put their best foot forward and collect as many points as possible.

Ian Wright urges Arsenal to afford Myles Lewis-Skelly a chance

By

Sarang Kuttykrishnan

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27-10-2023

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes that the 17-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly should be given an opportunity in the senior team this season.

The England youth international joined the Hale End Academy in 2015 and has been a key player at the youth level. He signed his first professional contract with the club earlier this month.

Mikel Arteta isn’t afraid to give youngsters an opportunity in the senior team. In the League Cup match against Brentford earlier this season, he gave the 19-year-old winger Charles Sagoe Jr. his first team debut.

Although Lewis-Skelly is yet to make a competitive debut for the senior team, he was featured in the 1-1 draw against Nurnberg in the pre-season friendly game.

Wright is excited to watch the 17-year-old play for the Gunners. He feels the youngster should be given an opportunity in the Carabao Cup games. While speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, the Highbury icon said:

“We’ve got a couple of really good young players. Myles Lewis-Skelly, he’s going. I think that he’s one of those they should give him a run in the League Cup.”

Arsenal Fever View:

Lewis-Skelly is a holding midfielder, who is capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker. It will be challenging to break into the senior team as Charlie Patino and Folarin Balogun are prime examples.

However, things could be different this time. With Thomas Partey’s contract ending in 2025 and Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho’s expiring at the end of the current campaign, there could be a opportunity to step in as Declan Rice’s backup in the holding midfield position.

The youngster has trained with the senior team on several occasions. If he manages to impress the manager in training, Arsenal fans can expect to watch him play very soon.

The north Londoners face West Ham United in their next League Cup match. Arteta will take advantage of this game to rotate his starting lineup. However, it remains to be seen if the 17-year-old will be handed his debut.

Pundit questions Mikel Arteta’s decision on Arsenal star David Raya

By

Sarang Kuttykrishnan

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27-10-2023

Former Arsenal star Adrian Clarke believes Mikel Arteta should bring back Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks after David Raya’s underwhelming start to life in the English capital.

The England international started every game in the Premier League for the Gunners last season and also featured in the EPL team of the year. However, he has been unable to retain his spot as the no.1 stopper since the arrival of Raya from Brentford on loan.

The Spaniard started in seven of the Gunners last eight games, with Ramsdale’s only appearance coming in a 1-0 win over Brentford in the EFL Cup. Recently, he has been committing a few mistakes, and there is increasing support to bring Ramsdale back into the starting lineup.

Adrian Clarke, who has been talking about Raya’s performance for the north London club on the Handbrake Off Podcast, said that he is making two errors per game on average and that Arteta should be considering switching goalkeepers at this stage.

“At the moment, it’s two mistakes a game. Was Ramsdale making two mistakes a game? Probably not truth be told, so he’s under pressure for his place.”

“It must be in Arteta’s thoughts for how long does he leave it. I’ll be honest, I don’t care who’s in goal, I just want them both to be brilliant.”

Arsenal Fever View:

Although the Englishman did make some errors in key games, he had earned the trust of the manager, the players, and the fanbase. Therefore, a sudden switch to Raya has raised eyebrows.

Unlike other players on the pitch, a simple mistake by the goalkeeper can cost the team the entire game. Luckily for the former Brentford man, the oppositions have not capitalised on his errors.

It is difficult to see why Mikel Arteta continues to start Raya when Ramsdale has not set a foot wrong. With the Euros fast approaching, he’ll need more game time to ensure he makes the Three Lions squad. If he is unable to do so, then a move away from Arsenal in the January transfer window is imminent.

Undoubtedly, the Gunners have two world-class goalkeepers in their ranks, but it is vital that Arteta uses them efficiently.