Arsenal will want to get back on track in their Champions League group as they make the trip to Spain to face Europa League holders Sevilla.
The Europa League is one of the few competitions where the holder does not get to defend the title from the start. There are instances when the winners return to the fold when they finish third in their Champions League group and stand a chance to retain the title. That has happened this term, with Sevilla coming up against Arsenal.
Sevilla fear they might find themselves in a similar position if they do not improve their results. Despite being unbeaten in Group B, their two draws in as many games have kept them in third place below RC Lens and their next opponents, Arsenal.
Sevilla do come into this game in not-so-good form. They did manage a fighting stalemate against Real Madrid, which was again marred by refereeing controversy as per those supporting Madrid. This was also their third straight stalemate, which makes the Arsenal clash all the more important in the context of getting three points.
Mikel Arteta was somewhat unhappy with his side’s performance at the weekend but relieved at their ability to salvage a draw. Chelsea went two goals up right after halftime, but in a 10-minute period, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard scored twice to manage a point out of Stamford Bridge.
Next stop: 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/patW4j2fjK
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 23, 2023
While they remain unbeaten and in a very healthy position in the Premier League, Arteta still has much work to do in their Champions League group. After a smashing start against PSV Eindhoven on their return to the competition, RC Lens showed them not every game is meant to be easy.
Elye Wahi scored a second-half winner in France to help Lens climb to the top of Group B, leaving Arsenal second. After this trip to Seville, the Gunners will have the luxury of playing two games at home, which places increased importance on getting a win against the Europa League holders.
Team News & Tactics
Sevilla
Diego Alonso did inherit a near-fit squad since his arrival at the club. Only Alfonso Pastor and Mariano Diaz are unavailable, although neither is an automatic starter in this Sevilla side. Hence, the manager will have clear options in front of him to make his selections specifically for the Arsenal game.
🎙 Lamela ahead of our #UCL match 🆚 @Arsenal:
🤩 Very important match
⚔️ North London rivalry
🤍 Need the fans' help— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) October 23, 2023
The only other concern was with striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who withdrew against Real Madrid. But it is understood to be fatigue rather than any injury. Hence, the Moroccan should start against the Gunners, although Rafa Mir is also an alternative if required.
Alonso might tweak his system and revert to having two midfielders as opposed to the three that he fielded at the weekend. Ivan Rakitic could drop out to the bench, which could pave the way for Oliver Torres to take up the No.10 position.
The manager could also ponder bringing in Loic Bade at the back. But with Nemanja Gudelj, he would want continuity of a backline. Sergio Ramos will keep his place in the heart of the defence, with the other members also retaining their places.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Nyland; Navas, Gudelj, Ramos, Acuna; Sow, Soumare; Lukebakio, Torres, Ocampos; En-Nesyri
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta could consider making changes to his squad and integrating some of his fringe stars without disturbing the balance of his team. In truth, the Spaniard is yet to find a balanced starting lineup this season. But that has not affected results in a big way so far.
Getting set for Sevilla 👊
📍 London Colney pic.twitter.com/4D3KiB6ztL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 23, 2023
After David Raya’s performance against Chelsea, could Aaron Ramsdale have a shot at regaining his spot in the lineup? For now, it may appear unlikely as Arteta will want to continue with the Spaniard for more games before making another stern decision about his goalkeepers.
Arteta may not disturb his backline too much, although Takehiro Tomiyasu has put himself within touching distance of taking the left-back spot from Oleksandr Zinchenko. Thomas Partey was an unused substitute at the weekend and may get a run out against Seville if the manager feels he needs more security in the position alongside Rice.
Martin Odegaard will surely continue on the right side of the midfield. Fabio Vieira might also make a case for himself on the left if Arteta feels the team needs more attacking impetus. Finally, the front three might look the same, although Kai Havertz has also pushed some buttons to make himself a contender to play in the centre-forward role.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Key Stats
- Sevilla have won once in their last seven home games, which came against Almeira.
- Sevilla are unbeaten in their last five matches on home soil.
- Arsenal lost their last away game in the Champions League to RC Lens.
- Arsenal also lost their last visit to Sevilla back in 2007 in the Champions League.
- Bukayo Saka has scored or assisted in both of his Champions League appearances so far.
Arsenal
Player to Watch
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli & Jorginho in Arsenal training today. #afc pic.twitter.com/VkeTwGZmsN
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) October 23, 2023
Arsenal may have salvaged a draw at Chelsea, but the spotlight fell on some of the big names in their side, with Jesus one of those. The Gunners starting centre-forward has been inconsistent on either side of the international break, as he put in a passive and careless performance at Stamford Bridge.:
Arsenal tend to play badly when one or both of Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus play badly, while the latter was guilty of lacking the usual energy upfront. His place could come under threat with the rise in the form of Kai Havertz, and hence, Arteta will expect nothing less than a top-draw display from the Brazilian forward against Seville.
Prediction
Sevilla 1-1 Arsenal
The Spanish side have been stubborn at home, but results have not gone their way. They have a mere two competitive victories this season, which has caused plenty of problems, but are unbeaten in five games at home heading into this Champions League clash.
Arteta must manoeuvre differently between the Premier League and Champions League, as this competition needs a different style and setup. He found it the hard way against Lens and may struggle to break down this Sevilla defence. Hence, this game has all the ingredients to end in a draw, which could either open up the group or allow Lens to take an unassailable lead up top.
