Arsenal will take on Sevilla in North London as they are one big step away from reaching the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
Arsenal have lost their unbeaten streak in the Premier League, and Mikel Arteta will be glad to switch his attention towards the UEFA Champions League, where Sevilla await them next. The Gunners are not in a good run of form, losing two of their recent clashes in all competitions.
The latest came against Newcastle United after a controversial Anthony Gordon strike decided the outcome of the tie. Afterwards, Arteta had a fiery press conference, calling the refereeing decisions a ‘disgrace’, which has caused quite the furore.
"I have to defend my club" ⚔️
Mikel Arteta stands by his post-match comments after Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle at the weekend ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6UZxwZv4s6
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 7, 2023
However, the Arsenal boss will want his side to regroup themselves and take a big step towards reaching the Champions League knockout stages. They meet Sevilla at the Emirates two weeks after winning in Spain, where a Gabriel Jesus masterclass decided the outcome of the game. Even if they win this clash, the Gunners will have to work hard in the remaining two games to cement their place as group winners.
Sevilla are staring towards another return to the Europa League, a competition they are very well versed in in their recent history. Diego Alonso would undoubtedly want to remain in the Champions League. But the road looks difficult, especially if they suffer another defeat against Arsenal in North London.
For Sevilla, they are yet to convince their supporters this team has the mettle to have a successful season. These fans will not turn their nose at the prospect of defending the Europa League crown. But Alonso must improve their results on the pitch.
The trend of picking up draws continued for Sevilla, who have not lost since their defeat at home to the Gunners. They have managed two more stalemates in La Liga, alongside a victory in the Copa del Rey against Quintanar. For Alonso, getting a win over Arsenal will undoubtedly boost his side’s confidence and open up this group to new possibilities.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta will likely look to tinker with his squad but only make fundamental changes without tweaking too much. In the last few days, Arsenal added Emile Smith Rowe to their injury list, which already has Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus, with Jurrien Timber a long-term absentee there.
🏟 Champions League returns to N5
🔙 Premier League at Emirates Stadium
🎙 Press conference timesWhat’s in store this week for our Gunners 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 6, 2023
Martin Odegaard also missed out against Newcastle United at the weekend, and there are still doubts on whether he will turn up fit for the Sevilla game. For Arsenal, it would be ideal to rest their captain rather than risk him now in an unfit condition. Arteta could also bring Oleksandr Zinchenko back into his backline, although he might push Takehiro Tomiyasu on the right side in place of Ben White.
With Partey absent, Arteta might not have too many rotational options for his midfield and will continue to rely on the availability of Declan Rice and Jorginho. He might tweak that a little by resting the Italian and bringing in Fabio Viera in his place. Kai Havertz, after a robust performance against Newcastle United, could retain his place in that midfield three.
Up front, Eddie Nketiah will continue to lead the line, with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka completing the front three for Arsenal. They do have a few other options in Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson. But Arteta will likely resist the temptation to play them instead of the Brazilian and English wingers.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Havertz, Rice, Vieira; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Sevilla
Diego Alonso has a few injured players out of the trip to London. Sergio Ramos and Marcao are absent from the 24-man squad travelling to play Arsenal. In addition, goalkeeper Orjan Nyland has a myofascial injury to the quadriceps of his right leg, meaning he will not play a part.
📋 Lista de 24 convocados para el desplazamiento a Londres para enfrentarse al @Arsenal. ✈️⚽️#UCL #WeareSevilla
— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) November 6, 2023
Backup keeper Marko Dmitrovic has recovered from a finger sprain and is now available to start in London. Left-back Marcos Acuna is also absent from the trip due to the tight hamstring suffered against Celta Vigo. Meanwhile, midfielder Fernando returns to the mix after missing that clash and might only feature as a bench option.
Youssef En-Nesyri will undoubtedly return to the lineup to replace Mariano Diaz as the central striker, while Alonso could bring Adria Pedrosa in place of Acuna at left-back. Loic Bade might start in central defence alongside Nemanja Gudelj, while Jesus Navas will retain his position at right back.
Djibril Sow and Boubakary Soumare are primed to keep their central midfield partnership afloat, while Fernando is an option for Alonso to consider. The Sevilla manager will complete the attacking setup with the inclusion of Lucas Ocampos, Ivan Rakitic and Dodi Lukebakio.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; Navas, Bade, Gudelj, Pedrosa; Sow, Soumare; Ocampos, Rakitic, Lukebakio; En-Nesyri
Key Stats
- Arsenal have lost their last two games in all competitions.
- Arsenal have seen over 2.5 goals in five of their last six matches against Sevilla in all competitions.
- Arsenal have conceded four goals in their last two games in all competitions.
- Sevilla have not lost a game since their defeat against Arsenal.
- Sevilla have lost two times in their last three competitive fixtures against Arsenal.
Player to Watch
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka 🌟 pic.twitter.com/M74hoRyKkz
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) November 6, 2023
It has been an indifferent season for Saka, who continues to lead Arsenal with his attacking numbers. Yet, there have been a few niggling problems preventing the winger from reaching his best form for the side. And his slump continued at the weekend against Newcastle United.
There are some worries about his form, but Saka has the character to bounce back and rediscover his former self. Against Sevilla, he can have a breather against the pressure of the Premier League and bring back the spark that saw him dazzle at the start of the season.
Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Sevilla
The visitors are not in a good run of form despite not losing any of their three games since their defeat to Arsenal in Spain. Like what happened there, they might struggle with the fluidity of Arsenal’s attack and end up losing three points and probably the chance to progress from this group this season.
Arsenal have somewhat struggled for goals since their massive win over Sheffield United a week or so ago. They are surely missing the creativity of Martin Odegaard and the flair of Gabriel Jesus. But even with their current options, the Gunners are more than a match for Sevilla in North London. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Mikel Arteta and his charges.
