Mikel Arteta could bring Kieran Tierney at left-back, while Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard could miss out altogether for Arsenal against Wolves.
Mikel Arteta will tinker and choose his final lineup for this Premier League season when Arsenal host Wolves at the Emirates. With second place secured, the fans would like to see the team end the season strongly and preferably achieve that with a win.
Arteta’s pre-match press conference was an eventful one, despite the public knowledge about who might miss out against Wolves. Journalists wanted to know more about the manager’s feelings as the season draws to a close, and how he felt about the title and plans for the future.
On fitness updates, Arteta may have ruled out Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, and Leandro Trossard, suggesting they had problems in the last few weeks. He said, “We’ve had some issues this week – well, in the last few weeks – as you’ve noticed, some players were unable to play and participate in the games, with Reiss. We have a little issue with Bukayo, which has been going on, and with Leo.”
“The rest I think are going to be fine. Alex [Zinchenko] is still out. William is still out. Tomiyasu is still out. Elneny is still out. There are a few that are not available but the rest are all good.”
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Meanwhile, Arteta was asked numerous questions in the context of the season, how it ended, and plans. The manager spoke at length, but when asked to describe their overall feeling regarding this particular campaign, he spoke passionately about the connection within the team and organisation.
He continued, “Connection. I think the team has connected, I think the club has connected. The departments at the clubs have connected with each other in a really powerful way. The crowd has connected with the team, the club, the ownership and the rest of the world. And I think we have connected again with our DNA: who we are, our way of doing things, and we have to move forward.”
Arteta might revert to a standard back four with Kiwior moving centrally. Amid speculation this might be his last game for Arsenal, Kieran Tierney will begin at left-back. Likewise, Ben White should occupy the right back slot and Gabriel Magalhaes in his fixed position in the centre.
Thomas Partey might start ahead of Jorginho at the base of midfield as Arteta looks to re-create the balance missing for a few weeks. Granit Xhaka, who could also leave in the summer, will start on the left side of the Ghanaian midfielder, with Martin Odegaard on the right.
With Saka missing and Nelson a doubt, Gabriel Jesus might take up the right-wing spot, with Eddie Nketiah leading the line. Emile Smith-Rowe might get his first Premier League start of the season and possibly a chance to save his Arsenal career. With the absence of notable attackers, Arteta might include Amario Cozier-Duberry in the squad, considering the youngster has been training with the first team since Gabriel Martinelli’s injury.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Ben White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Tierney; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Jesus, Nketiah, Smith Rowe
