Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta risks wrath of fans with three huge calls vs Sevilla
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has some big calls to make for tonight’s Champions League match away to Sevilla. The Gunners need to bounce back from the defeat to Lens last time out and there are three big decisions for Arteta to make. Express Sport looks at how he could line up in Spain.
Goalkeeper – Raya
Arteta risks the wrath of the Arsenal fans if he sticks with David Raya. But perhaps he would be admitting defeat if he dumped his fellow Spaniard after Saturday’s horror show at Chelsea.
Aaron Ramsdale is desperate to get back into the side and should be available following the birth of his first child. Arsenal supporters made it clear at Stamford Bridge that they want to see him in the side.
Defence – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu
A second big decision Arteta has to make is at left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko struggled at Chelsea and was dragged off at half-time.
Takehiro Tomiyasu came on to replace him and, as he has done this season, performed admirably. The Japan star’s versatility is crucial to Arsenal and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him start tonight.
The rest of the back four should pick itself. Ben White will operate at right-back, with William Saliba partnering Gabriel.
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Midfield – Partey, Odegaard, Rice
The final call Arteta must make is whether Thomas Partey is ready to start. He hasn’t done so for his club since August due to a groin injury.
He got valuable minutes away with Ghana recently but was an unused substitute at Chelsea. Partey would come in for Jorginho if he does start.
Arsenal need Martin Odegaard to get back to his creative and goalscoring best. Declan Rice will continue his run of starting every league and European game since joining.
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Attack – Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Leandro Trossard gave Arteta plenty to think about with his late equaliser at the weekend. But the Belgian has often fared better as an impact player.
Gabriel Martinelli didn’t play the full 90 at Stamford Bridge but should be good to go again tonight. Bukayo Saka also appeared to get through the match unscathed.
Gabriel Jesus is fighting Eddie Nketiah for a starting spot up top. It will be a close call but Jesus may just get the nod.
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Partey, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
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