Mikel Arteta to make 7 changes | Predicted Arsenal XI vs Sporting CP as £60m star returns
Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways when they take on Sporting CP in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on the road tonight.
The Gunners suffered a disappointing Carabao Cup final loss (2-0) to Manchester City before the international break. On their return, the club were eliminated from the FA Cup at the last eight stage by Southampton last weekend (2-1 defeat).
Arsenal need to provide a strong response against Sporting CP. Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta could make at least seven changes to the starting XI based on Monday’s press conference.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been Arsenal’s undisputed goalkeeper in the Premier League and Champions League games. Kepa Arrizabalaga started between the sticks in the Carabao and FA Cup defeats, but he is expected to make way for his Spanish compatriot.
Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a knee injury scare at St Mary’s, but has recovered in time. He should partner William Saliba in the heart of the defence, with Cristhian Mosquera dropping out. Ben White made a high-profile defensive error against the Saints, leading to the opening goal.
Despite this, the Englishman should feature as the specialist right-back, with Jurrien Timber having not travelled with the team. On the opposite end, we expect Riccardo Calafiori to get the nod over Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was likewise underwhelming in the FA Cup quarter-final.
In midfield, there should be a couple of changes from Saturday. Martin Zubimendi, signed for £60 million last summer, is poised to replace Christian Norgaard in the number six role. Declan Rice should slot in as the central midfielder with club captain Martin Odegaard operating as the attacking midfielder.
Kai Havertz did provide the assist for Viktor Gyokeres’ equaliser last weekend, but the German was largely uninvolved until that moment. He should drop out. Odegaard, on the other hand, had two attempts on goal and was a creative force despite making his first appearance in several weeks after a knee injury.
In the final third, we are backing Max Dowman to start over Noni Madueke in the right wing position after his standout attacking display at St Mary’s. The 16-year-old was the Gunners’ best attacking outlet over the course of 90 minutes, and deserves to keep his place ahead of Madueke with Bukayo Saka absent.
It should be a straight swap on the opposite end with Leandro Trossard coming in for Gabriel Martinelli. Gyokeres is poised to replace Gabriel Jesus, who was wasteful upfront. The Swede came off the bench to score his 17th goal of the season and should relish facing his former employers tonight.
How Arsenal could line up vs Sporting CP
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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