Mikel Arteta could continue his experiments and use Jakub Kiwior as a left-back, while Kai Havertz could lead the line for Arsenal against Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta does not seem to have his fixed starting eleven at this stage. Unlike last season, when things were clearer for the Arsenal boss, this time around, things are a bit different, and the injury to Jurrien Timber also changes things.
Arteta touched upon many subjects during his pre-match press conference, including the reaction to Timber’s injury. The Dutchman will likely miss most of the season with a severe knee injury, and now there are questions about whether the manager will use up internal options or go into the market for a new one.
On Timber’s injury, Arteta said, “It’s a huge blow, especially for him having just joined the club to have the injury that he has is a huge disappointment for him. Obviously for the team it’s a big blow because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he’s not going to be in this season for us. We have to adapt, these things happen unfortunately, and we have to move on.”
Arteta also touched upon Kai Havertz and how he felt about the attacker. He said, “He’s fitted in really well. I think he played a really good game against Man City, he had two big, big chances to score, and he didn’t, but everything he did apart from that he was excellent. The other day as well he played in two different positions throughout the game, one more as a number eight, one more as a number 10.”
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
There’s a chance for Havertz to begin the Crystal Palace clash in front of goal, with Eddie Nketiah dropping to the bench. Similarly, Arteta might keep experimenting with the left-back position until Oleksandr Zinchenko makes a total return. The Ukrainian international did play in a closed-door friendly this week but may still fall short of full fitness.
Beyond that, Gabriel Jesus and Timber seem like the only injury-led absentees, with the others fit to face Palace. Aaron Ramsdale will come under pressure to perform as new arrival David Raya waits in the wings to grab his opportunity.
Ben White could return to his customary right-back position, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes resuming their partnership in the centre. Arteta could select Jakub Kiwior as his left-back for this clash, although Takehiro Tomiyasu remains an option.
Thomas Partey will return to sit at the base of the midfield three, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard on either side. Gabriel Martinelli will continue on the left side of the front three, and so will Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side. Havertz will likely play the central role ahead of Nketiah.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kiwior; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
