Arsenal return to continental competition tonight with their second-leg clash with Sporting CP providing an interesting challenge for the Gunners. A 2-2 draw in Lisbon outlined the strengths of the Portuguese side, especially on the counter, and the weaknesses in Arsenal’s XI brought out by rotation to key positions.
The squad has been refreshed for the home tie with both Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard available. However, there remains the question of rotation with a Premier League fixture with Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace to consider this weekend.
After watching Arsenal’s title rivals Manchester City go strong at home to RB Leipzig and batter the Bundesliga side, it will be intriguing who comes in for the Gunners as they look to emulate the Citizens’ big win. Mikel Arteta needs to get his selection right or risk elimination from the competition, luckily the football.london writers are on hand to offer their views on who they would opt for this evening.
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Tom Canton – Arsenal writer
Keep that momentum going! That’s the methodology behind my choice and hence why you can see the likes of Thomas Partey, both starting centre-halves, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka in this side.
Perhaps a surprise, even for a strong team, is the inclusion of Aaron Ramsdale. I, like Arteta, am not afraid to be ruthless with the goalkeeper and as the Arsenal boss demonstrated in previous seasons, using the starting keeper in big European games is certainly a thing; one which I would like to see used tonight.
Gabriel Jesus looked good against Fulham and whilst he may not be able to complete a game, it would be good to see him from the start. Leandro Trossard is always there and ready to come in should he be needed.
Lastly, the midfield remains unchanged here and that’s because this, with the issue of the left side of the defence, left Arsenal the most open. Once Partey and Gabriel Magalhães came on all the control went to the Gunners and having these two in the team should make this a relatively comfortable event.
Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Sporting CP: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Nelson
Kaya Kaynak – Chief Arsenal writer
If I were Mikel Arteta I'd look to go relatively strong for tomorrow's game. Winning breeds winning and staying in the Europa League is a surefire way to do that.
I would still keep Matt Turner in goal despite that policy. The American may not have been great against Sporting last time out, but I think he deserves another chance. If not now, then when is he going to play?
In defence, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney aren't much of a step-down and with the Scot fully fit again, I expect them both to play. At centre back I would personally play both William Saliba and Gabriel. Jakub Kiwior struggled on debut, while Rob Holding for me doesn't get the best out of the Arsenal style of play.
In midfield, I'd trust Jorginho to come in and ahead of him, I'd go for an attacking duo of Fabio Vieira and Martin Odegaard. The pair will give Arsenal the attacking boost they need to hopefully get the tie wrapped up early in order to bring rest some of the big boys.
Ufront with Eddie Nketiah out your options are somewhat limited. But as far as I'm concerned why not give Jesus a run-up top and then take him off around the hour mark as Arsenal gear up for his return? Play Emile Smith Rowe on the left and then I'd keep Bukayo Saka in the side on the right.
Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Sporting CP: Turner; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Jorginho, Vieira, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Smith Rowe.
Hush Kerai – Arsenal editor
I believe Arteta needs to start with his strongest possible starting XI, with perhaps the only exception being between the sticks. While Turner did not cover himself in glory in the first leg, he has had enough convincing performances over the course of the campaign for him to stay in the side.
While the priority remains the Premier League title race, Sporting cannot be taken lightly and a loss in the competition could temporarily damage confidence in the young side.
Arsenal need to start fast and hard and, hopefully, find themselves in a situation where players such as Partey, Saka and Odegaard can potentially be taken out of harm’s way midway through the second half.
Kerai’s Arsenal XI vs Sporting CP: Turner; Tierney, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Xhaka, Partey, Odegaard; Martinelli, Trossard, Saka.
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