My predicted line up against RC Lens
Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad welcome RC Lens to London to The Emirates tonight, and with a win, could automatically qualify for the Champions League round of 16 and Arsenal sound raring to go. It’s been a long time since we were in the Champions League and Areta and his squad will want to put their best foot forward. I expect a full-strength line up and here’s how I predict Arteta will line his team up.
In goal David Raya goes straight back in between the sticks. Arteta has made it clear that Raya is his first-choice keeper and although Ramsdale had a great second half against Brentford, I expect Raya to walk straight back into the side. Ramsdale also made a few nearly costly mistakes against Brentford and I think that will be on the edge of Arteta’s thoughts too.
In defence I expect a back four of Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Saliba and White. Tomiyasu I think has been playing a bit better than Zinchenko recently and I think he gets the LB starting spot tonight. Gabriel and Saliba have formed an unbreakable partnership and have brought a real sense of stability to our backline this season. White has trained with the squad after missing out on starting against Brentford but Arteta has reported he is fit and ready to play.
In the midfield I expect a three of Rice, Odegaard and Havertz. Rice is a no brainer, he’s been our best player this season and if we want to win this match I think he will be a key player for us defensively and going forward. Odegaard back from a concussion against Brentford and had a pretty good game, I cant see him losing his spot in such a big game, and Havertz I think gets the start after his winning goal against Brentford, I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t awarded for his goal with a start tonight.
In attack I expect a front three of Saka, Jesus and Martinelli. Saka in our last meeting was targeted and forced to come off due to an injury, I expect him to be starting again but hopefully this time a bit more weary on what’s to come. Martinelli on the left wing bringing some pace and skill down the sidelines and Jesus up front and centre, although being injured for a lot of the season, when he has played he’s been on fire and Arsenal fans will be hoping to see him at his best tonight.
So a 4-3-3 on
Raya
White – Saliba – Gabriel – Tomiyasu
Odegaard – Rice – Havertz
Saka – Jesus – Martinelli
What’s your thoughts Gooners? What would be your predicted line up for tonight?
Daisy Mae
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I guess Arteta will keep the same starting lineup that played against Brentford, to unlock Lens’ defense
Havertz could come as a sub and Arteta may want to restore Ramsdale’s confidence by giving him another chance
Not being assured of top spot unless we win, I’m guessing that Arteta will play Raya instead of Ramsdale. His jittery start was worrying- regardless of your views on Arteta’s handling of the goalkeeping situation.
I expect Raya will start since Arteta, regardless of his media statements, has made it abundantly clear that for whatever reason(s) Raya is his #1 (unless he is forced by injury/league rules to use Ramsdale). Only because I am an Arsenal supporter (even though dismayed with Ramsdale’s plight after seeing his dedication, leadership, and efforts for the club), I hope MA has made the right decision.
Considering how Lens played last time with so much physicality, I don’t see Trossard starting ahead of Havertz. Havertz just made a huge impression against Brentford. Trossard can come in if Jesus or Matinelli become tired. I don’t think using two midfielder lacking in height Tro & Ode would help.
SueP, think Gai is right, the gaffer has to start Ramsdale to salvage whatever confidence there is,.
Surely the big German has to start this one maybe as a reward for the ugly win over the weekend
I’m waiting for the lineup with bated breath, Gunsmoke 😊
Me too 😄
Trossard for Jesus or Martinelli
Ramsdale
Tomi saliba gabb zinc
Jorgi. Rice
Ode
Saka. TROS martinelle
Jesus should be treated carefully, I would start Trossard up front instead, or play Trossard in midfield and start Eddie as a striker
Agreed. Also I believe Jesus should come on late (perhaps for Saka) to help keep him in form while exerting himself too much with 20 minutes or so.
“not exerting himself”
At half time; LENS 1 PSV 0.
If that score or result stays like this we are definitely at least second in group.
Of course we need to win it, which we will!
Sorry, its Seville 1 PSV 0. What a TWIT I am!
I couldn’t possibly comment
Well then Sue , as you HAVE managed to comment, despite being unable to do so, that is a great trick.
Applause then!
It’s now 2 – 0 to Sevilla. If the result stays that way, a draw is enough to secure top of the table for us tonight.
NOT SURE TOMI WILL START PERSONALLY. I think Zinny will be preferred to him.
Not even SURE about JESUS EITHER. Just a possible starter,but from far from certain.
Hope so too about Zinny, as attack will be more important than defending tonight.