As we gear up for today’s Champions League clash against Atalanta, my lineup includes a bit of rotation with the Manchester City game in mind. Managing players minutes is crucial especially with such a massive match coming up. Here’s my take on how we should approach the game tonight.

I believe we will still have enough firepower to take on Atalanta while rotating a bit. I will rest Saka, Partey, Trossard and Timber for this game, I’d prefer to have them fresh for the Man City game. For Saka and Trossard, I would love to see them come off the bench. Having them fresh for the Man City game is a priority especially withthe absence of Odegaard.

For Timber, I don’t think it’s wise to overload him with a lot of minutes so soon. missed a lot of football last season and he only just completed his first 90 minutes for Arsenal last weekend and he recently played for the Netherlands during the international break. I think it’s smart to limit his minutes and have him at full strength for Man City.

Calafiori is a player I’d love to see in the left-back position, but only if he’s 100% ready. If not, I’m confident Kiwior can do a job in his place. No need to rush anyone who isn’t fully fit, we are already missing a lot players going into a very busy schedule.

With Declan Rice back in the team, we will have the stability we need to rest a crucial player in Partey. Pairing him with Havertz, who has been an engine for us, should allow young Ethan Nwaneri to be comfortable in midfield alongside them. Even though Nwaneri is young, he’s shown flashes of brilliance and can certainly handle the pressure. In attack, I’m starting Sterling, Martinelli and Jesus to provide that spark up front. Jesus always offers creativity and movement, and Sterling’s pace can cause Atalanta’s defense problems. Martinelli need to find his best form and this could be a game to do that.

I’m confident this team can create issues for Atalanta, and with Saka, Partey, Jorginho and Trossard as fresh options off the bench, we will have plenty of firepower in reserve.