Arsenal are back in action with a mission to correct what has been a disappointing start to the season. We are playing Norwich City who, similar to Arsenal, have picked up zero points from the first three opening games. It is therefore going to be a tough game as both teams will want to register their first win.
On paper Arsenal should be favorite especially with more first team stars returning from injury. Mikel Arteta know that he is under pressure and only a win is acceptable. His team selection will also indicate the importance of the match tomorrow. Arteta also has almost a full squad available with only Elneny out injured, Xhaka suspended, and Smith Rowe and Lokonga doubts.
Potential lineup:
GK:
There’s a lot of speculations that Ramsdale will be handed his Premier League debut this weekend but it might be a bit far fetched. Leno is still considered number one and it’s save to predict that he starts in goal.
DF:
Starting at right back it is possible that Arteta will throw in his new boy, Takehiro Tomiyasu, into the the fold ahead of Cedric and Chambers. There’s really no time to waste as we need to start picking up points right away.
Ben White and Gabriel are both back and available and we predict that Arteta will play them together for the first time.
Future club captain Kieran Tierney will keep his place at left back ahead of Nuno Tavares.
MF:
Arsenal will be without Xhaka, who is suspended, and Elneny, who picked up an injury during the international break. Sambi Lokonga is also a doubt after picking up a knock while training with Belgium, but he should at least make the bench. That leave us with only two options in midfield in Partey and Maitland-Niles. The absence of Xhaka and Elneny should open a space on the bench for Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino.
In the number 10 role, we will go with Martin Odegaard who was on fine form with Norway during the international break. Smith-Rowe is expected to pass a late fitness test and is expected to feature from the bench.
FW:
On the right wing we will go with Pepe and on the left Saka. We expect Aubameyang to lead the line in the number 9 role.
Martinelli and Lacazette are all possible features from the bench as well.
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