Arsenal are set to host Brentford, with Mikel Arteta expected to heavily rotate his lineup ahead of next week’s return leg with Real Madrid.
Arsenal are enjoying one of the most monumental weeks in the club’s history, following a stellar win over Real Madrid on Tuesday night. The Gunners are now set to host Brentford at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta very much expected to rotate his pack as the manager will have one eye on next Wednesday’s return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided injury updates on Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. The Spaniard is not expected to make considerable changes to the lineup, which will be similar to last weekend.
Arteta ensured many of his key stars were fit for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid as he named a much-changed side against Everton. There were some concerns following the win on Tuesday as Saka and Rice limped off by the end of the clash.
Arteta allayed fears and insisted the duo are fit in his injury update. He said, “With Dec and Bukayo, they’re both fit. It was just a matter of two kicks and they recovered well, so they are available for tomorrow. Ricky’s progressing really well. I think to give you a timeline is difficult because he needs to step up, especially having more people around and how then he reacts after that, but he’s in a good place.”
In terms of team selection, Arteta could keep hold of defensive duo William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior at the heart of the defence to allow those two to continue building their partnership at the back. Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly could be rested, with Ben White and Kieran Tierney, respectively, replacing them.
Thomas Partey also had a stellar game on Tuesday and much like last weekend, Arteta could rest the midfielder for the Brentford clash, with Jorginho starting in his place. Unlike last Saturday, Rice might start on the bench, and Mikel Merino could drop into a midfield role, while Martin Odegaard is expected to start.
Ethan Nwaneri did not play against Real Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday, and he could be handed a start against Brentford in place of Saka. Leandro Trossard could play centrally, while Raheem Sterling could replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney; Odegaard, Jorginho, Merino; Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling
