Arsenal will be eyeing a fourth-straight Champions League win when they face Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena this evening.
The Gunners are fourth in the standings with nine points, only goal difference behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. They could move to the top of the table with a big-margin victory.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has already confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres is sidelined with a muscle injury sustained against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has likewise been ruled out, while Martin Zubimendi will be serving a one-game European suspension.
Arsenal will be aiming for a 10th-straight win in all competitions. They have the opportunity to keep an eighth consecutive clean sheet.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya is an undisputed choice for the Premier League and Champions League games. He is expected to start between the sticks regardless of Arrizabalaga’s injury. The Spaniard has yet to concede in Europe and will be eyeing a fourth-straight shutout.
There could be a couple of changes to the backline as part of Arteta’s rotation. Myles Lewis-Skelly has started the last two Champions League outings ahead of Riccardo Calafiori. The club graduate should reclaim his role at left-back ahead of the Italian star.
Ben White has played second fiddle to Jurrien Timber at right-back in the Premier League. The £33 million-rated star could get the nod over the Dutchman this evening. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are poised to continue in central defence.
With Zubimendi’s suspension, Christian Norgaard is in the frame to make his full Champions League debut in the number six role. Declan Rice was phenomenal against Burnley last weekend. The Englishman bagged the second goal with a fine header. He delivered a fantastic cross in the lead-up to the first goal scored by Gyokeres.
Rice also won nine duels alongside nine recoveries, five tackles and four clearances. It was a superb all-round showing. The midfielder has picked up two yellow cards in Europe this term. A booking today could see him suspended versus Bayern Munich. Despite this, he is likely to start in central midfield.
Eberechi Eze should continue in his preferred number 10 role ahead of Ethan Nwaneri. The same goes for Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard on the right and left wing respectively. Gabriel Martinelli has yet to recover from a muscle injury suffered against Crystal Palace last month.
With Gyokeres ruled out, Arteta is likely to pick Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, just like in the second half against Burnley. Academy striker Andre Harriman-Annous has travelled with the team. The 17-year-old could make his Champions League debut off the bench against Slavia.
How Arsenal could line up vs Slavia Prague
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
