Mikel Arteta will make one forced change, with Aaron Ramsdale set to replace David Raya in the Arsenal goal against Brentford, while Leandro Trossard might replace Jorginho.
Mikel Arteta could make two alterations to his well-oiled Arsenal ‘machine’ ahead of the game against Brentford on Saturday. Aaron Ramsdale will enter the frame in goal as David Raya is ineligible to face his parent club. At the same time, Jorginho might get some rest ahead of a pivotal UEFA Champions League encounter next week.
The pre-game press conference had many journalists eagerly awaiting injury updates on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The former was reportedly sick at half-time against Sheffield United, while the latter suffered a cut to his leg in the second half as the Arsenal medical staff carried the Brazilian off the pitch.
On that note, Arteta insisted he was optimistic about the duo. He said, “we got some players back last Monday, and then we had Martinelli and Bukayo with little issues but we are pretty positive that hopefully they can be part of that, but we’ll have to wait and see how they are tomorrow.”
The big focus was on Ramsdale, who will return to the starting lineup due to Raya’s ineligibility to face Brentford. On the keeper, Arteta said, “It is what it is, he is fully prepared, he trains really well every day.”
“He is desperate to play like the rest of the boys who haven’t had that many opportunities, and Saturday is a great day for him. He’s been brilliant, he’s been really good, really supportive, really pushing everything in training like I expected and it’s a joy to have two top goalkeepers in the team.”
Some of the other returning players have potential to feature in the matchday squad, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko understandably close to full fitness. None of those will get to start, although their squad participation still needs to be confirmed.
Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus got some minutes on Monday following their respective injury spells. The midfielder’s return, in particular, boosts Arsenal’s squad after many months out of the game with a severe thigh injury.
The pair will again feature on the bench, as Arteta will name a near-identical lineup that thrashed Sheffield United on Monday, barring two changes. While Ramsdale is already confirmed to start in goal, the manager might look to rest Jorginho ahead of the crucial Champions League encounter with FC Porto next week.
Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Jakub Kiwior will continue in the back four. Declan Rice will return to his holding midfield duties, with Leandro Trossard expected to replace Jorginho. Martin Odegaard will continue to operate in the free role but will begin the game on the right side of the midfield three.
Saka should be fit enough to make the grade, while Martinelli is also expected to feature from the left-hand side of the front three. Kai Havertz has done nothing wrong to deserve a change, with the German set to lead the line again, while Jesus will have to settle for a place on the Arsenal bench.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
