Arsenal face Luton Town just a few days after their draw with Manchester City, with Mikel Arteta eying rotations and starts for critical men.
Arsenal will enter the field again three days after a gruelling clash with Manchester City as they host Luton Town in the Emirates. Mikel Arteta must manage his squad ahead of a crunch fixture period, and some believe this game against the Hatters could be the chance to rotate and rest some of their players.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided some fitness updates on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. He also answered questions on rotations while insisting every game is vital amid suggestions that the Luton clash might be the time to rest a few players.
On Saka, Arteta said, “Yeah, he’s fine. Obviously, we haven’t trained, we’ve recovered and have a short live session today to prepare for the game, and we’ll see whether he’s in the best condition to start or not.”
Martinelli, who had been missing in a few games due to a gash on his foot during the away win over Sheffield United, made it back to the pitch against Manchester City. When asked whether the Brazilian was prepared to play full games again, Arteta responded positively.
Arteta continued, “He is because he was available to play against a really tough opponent three days ago. Again, we’ll train today and see the state of every player and make the right decision tomorrow.”
On questions regarding whether the game against Luton was the best time to rest some of his players, the manager responded, “We’re just thinking about Luton and preparing for the game in the best possible way and earn the right to beat them.”
In terms of the fitness of the players, Arteta does not have too many concerns and only continues to miss Jurrien Timber. Otherwise, he has a full complement of players available at his disposal, and games like these might be the time for him to make some rotations and allow some key players some rest.
Arteta should stop over-relying on his impressive backline, including Jakub Kiwior, who has been imperious since the turn of the year. Hence, this is where he could make some changes and rotate. The Arsenal boss e may not disturb the centre-back pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. But Takehiro Tomiyasu can replace Ben While, while Oleksandr Zinchenko can come in for Kiwior.
Similarly, Jorginho might need some rest, and Thomas Partey proved he was sharp again during his cameo against Manchester City. The Ghanaian midfielder could replace the Italian international, but Arteta may not rest like Martin Odegaard or Declan Rice.
In the attack, Kai Havertz will continue to lead the line, while Bukayo Saka might still start despite the fatigue against Manchester City. Ideally, he can start Martinelli on the left, but he might keep him as a bench option for now. Then, considering Jesus played a long game on Sunday, he might start Leandro Trossard instead.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard
