Arsenal’s Line-Up Against Leicester City: Nwaneri Leads the Attack
Mikel Arteta is preparing his Arsenal squad for a crucial Premier League match against Leicester City. This fixture marks their first league game on Saturday following the disappointing news that Kai Havertz will miss the remainder of the season due to injury.
The Gunners are already dealing with the absence of Gabriel Jesus, who is still recovering from a knee injury. With two key attackers sidelined, Arteta faces significant challenges in squad selection. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Arsenal made no new signings during the January transfer window, leaving them with limited options to reinforce the squad.
As a result, Arteta may have to rely on younger or less experienced players, leading to some unexpected inclusions in the starting eleven. The selection process is proving to be one of the toughest for the Arsenal manager, given the number of unavailable first-team regulars.
Potential Line-Ups and Tactical Considerations
A 4-3-3 formation seems the most logical approach, with Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard flanking Ethan Nwaneri in the attacking trio. This setup maintains Arsenal’s familiar structure while compensating for their missing forwards. Ben White’s potential return to the squad could also influence the defensive arrangements, as he may have to battle for a starting role against Jurrien Timber.
Canton’s Predicted Arsenal XI:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling.
Arteta is left with few alternatives, as injuries have forced him into making straightforward choices. With four of his primary attacking options unavailable, he must turn to Nwaneri, Trossard, and Sterling to lead the line.
Though Arteta could experiment by using Declan Rice as a false nine or deploying Oleksandr Zinchenko in an attacking role, this is not the ideal match for such tactical risks. Arsenal needs a victory to stay in the title race and close the gap on Liverpool.
The defensive structure remains steady, with Myles Lewis-Skelly maintaining his place, while the midfield trio of Partey, Rice, and Odegaard remains unchanged, despite competition from Jorginho and Mikel Merino.
King’s Predicted Arsenal XI:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Sterling, Trossard.
Arteta acknowledged his limited attacking options when questioned about his selection process, stating, “You don’t have to be too creative with the options that we have; I’m sure you’ll get it right!”
David Raya will retain his spot in goal, with Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly as full-backs, and Saliba and Gabriel forming the center-back pairing. The midfield remains unchanged, but there are questions regarding the final attacking lineup.
Nwaneri could feature centrally, but his inexperience at this level may be a concern. A more natural option could see him play in Bukayo Saka’s usual position, while Trossard operates centrally. Meanwhile, doubts persist over Raheem Sterling’s effectiveness, prompting an alternative selection of Riccardo Calafiori.
Wilmot’s Predicted Arsenal XI:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Calafiori.
With Arsenal’s attacking depth severely tested, Arteta must make the most of his available resources to secure a vital win against Leicester City.
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