Connect with us

Opinion

Predicting the Starting Lineup for Arsenal vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

Arsenal’s last Premier League clash against Bournemouth left a lot to be desired, as Mikel Arteta’s men dropped some valuable points in their bid to challenge for the Premier League title

However, the games come thick and fast and while Arsenal will be itching to set things right when Liverpool visits the Emirates Stadium, there is the business of Champions League to contend with, as Ukrainian juggernauts, Shakhtar Donetsk, visiting Arsenal’s home ground for a Champions League clash.

Mikel Arteta will be expected to select a strong XI for a game of this caliber, so Gooner Daily predicts what the starting lineup would look like

Defense

Neto would have to have to wait a bit longer to make his Arsenal debut, as David Raya will be preferred by Arteta between the sticks. I will also expect a settled backline with Ben White at right back, Riccardo Calafiori at left back and the ever-present central defensive partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba in the heart of the Arsenal defense.

With William Saliba missing the Liverpool clash due to his unfortunate red card, one would expect Arteta to explore another center back partnership as an audition to the crunch clash.

Midfield

With club captain, Martin Odegaard on the treatment table, Arsenal is bereft of options in midfield, so I’d expect Thomas Partey and Declan Rice to be the midfield pairing tomorrow. Mikel Merino will need to get more games under his belt following his return to full fitness, so I’d expect him to play as well.

Attack

Kai Havertz should lead the line with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard flanking him. Bukayo Saka may be fit for this match, but with no disrespect to Shakhtar Donetsk, Saka would be essential for the Liverpool game and I believe Arsenal can do the business against the Ukrainian.