Arsenal face PSV Eindhoven tomorrow night in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, with Mikel Arteta determined for his side to return to North London either with an advantage or, at the very least, on level terms.
With that in mind, selecting the strongest possible starting eleven is essential. However, given the current squad limitations, Arteta has very few options at his disposal, meaning the team largely picks itself.
Injuries to key players have significantly disrupted Arsenal, while some of those available have struggled to maintain their usual high standards. As a result, Arteta is left having to make the best of a difficult situation, adapting his lineup in the hope of securing a positive result.
Given these circumstances, this is the starting eleven I expect to take the field against PSV:
Raya
Miles Skelly
Gabriel
Saliba
Timber
Partey
Rice
Odegaard
Trossard
Merino
Nwaneri
Arteta may look to make a tactical adjustment or two—perhaps deploying Partey at right-back—but I would be surprised if the lineup differs significantly from this prediction.
Let me know in the comments below what you think about my predicted lineup and if you see Arteta going with a different starting eleven.
ADMIN COMMENT
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yes I gree with your lineup, it would be better to see Nwaneri start the game and Merino go for striking.
I expect Calafiori to start at LB although I much prefer Tierney in that position.Odegaard is currently running on empty and it might be an idea to play him as deep lying C.F in order to reduce his defensive responsibilities .I would imagine a draw away from home would be considered acceptable so Arteta could shore up our midfield by using Rice, Partey and Merino in that area.
I think the line up is ok apart from lack of sub
Why would Arteta want to start Partey at RB when we have both White and Timber available?
Deploying Partey at RB has always been a child of necessity.
But I agree with your lineup. The team virtually choses itself, doesn’t it?
Why are we persisting with Merino as striker?
He got 2 goals as a sub so keep him there as plan B
Let’s get kne of the academy kids to play upfront. Nwaneri and MLS have come good so no reason why another shouldn’t!
Time to change formation event to mentally make players we believe we are trying something different
Raya
White Timber Saliba Gabriel Calafiori
Rice Partey
Odegarrd
Trossard Merino
Then have Nwaneri as a pacey sub option
Raya in goal (Obviously)
My preference would be three at the back.
Saliba Calafiori Gabriel
White or Timber at right back
Tierney or Lewis Skelly at left back
Rice and Partey central midfield
Nwaneri in the 10 position
With Trossard and Sterling alternating between left and right wings between them.
Now I know that there’s no striker as such, but I’d rather go with this line up. It more mobile than having Merino up top.
Although I wouldn’t be adverse for an academy striker to be given some game time, if the chance arises.
People may ask me what about Odegaard, well I don’t think he’s contributing much to the team at present, so maybe benching him might give him the kick up the backside he needs.