Arsenal can name their strongest lineup of the season when they host Bayern Munich at the Emirates for a crucial Champions League encounter.
Arsenal have a big game at the Emirates on Tuesday, with Bayern Munich visiting North London for a crucial Champions League quarter-final first-leg encounter. The Gunners had their entire squad train together for the first time, with no new injuries reported at the time of writing.
In his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta was asked about many subjects pertaining to the game ahead, including the fact that Arsenal will have a full house after UEFA banned Bayern Munich supporters from this away clash. He also touched upon whether their opponents’ form had any effect on their thinking ahead of this clash.
On the Emirates atmosphere, Arteta said, “[It’ll be a] Full house! A lot of passion and emotion. We haven’t had this opportunity for 15 years, so that tells you how special this night is going to be for us, so we’re going to have to put everything into every ball to make it happen.”
When asked about whether Bayern’s current form is relevant at all in the context of this encounter, the Gunners boss dismissed it altogether. He said, “From my side no. As well it’s something that we have no say or control over, and we just expect all the time the best from our opponent, against Bayern, Brighton or Aston Villa. Regardless of where they are you always have to expect that they play in their best possible way and be prepared to outperform them.”
In terms of the squad selection, Arteta was graced by a full compliment from players who had taken part in team training ahead of this encounter. It is a massive boost from Arsenal’s perspective to have all those stars available. Only Jurrien Timber might take some time, but his presence in full training indicated the Dutchman is close to making his return.
Arteta will have some selection dilemmas ahead of this encounter and will choose the best starting eleven suited for this encounter. For instance, he still has to make up his mind about the starting left back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko starting the last two Premier League games.
Takehiro Tomiyasu also has a claim to the position. Still, Jakub Kiwior may appear to be the one with full sharpness and the right suitability for this particular system. The Pole might start alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Ben White in that back four, with David Raya perfectly settled between the sticks.
The double pivot in midfield consisting of Jorginho and Declan Rice might continue, with Martin Odegaard playing in a more free role among the three. Bukayo Saka will continue on the right side of the front three, with Kai Havertz leading the line.
Arteta still has to choose his left wing, with Gabriel Jesus showing strong signs that he could well be an option there. The Brazilian No.9 also has the experience in the competition to bank upon, but Arteta has carefully managed Gabriel Martinelli’s minutes ahead of this game and might give the winger the nod ahead of his compatriot.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
