Arsenal face Europa League winners Atalanta BC in their opening game of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 campaign at the Gewiss Stadium on Thursday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s side started their three-game stretch in a space of a week by defeating Tottenh*m Hotsp*r on Sunday. However, they have to manoeuvre a stern test from the Nerrazzuri.
The Gunners have a poor away record in this competition, winning just one out of their last five contests. Meanwhile, the Serie A side were brilliant last season, losing just one game and lifting the Europa League title.
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Arsenal can still fancy their chances as Gian Piero Gasperini’s team have had an inconsistent start to the league season, winning six points in four games.
The English giants need to access their players as several key stars remain sidelined. We expect the manager to give a fair chance to other squad players.
HERE IS HOW ARSENAL COULD LINEUP VS ATALANTA
Defence: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Maghalaes, Jurrien Timber
Raya was absolutely colossal vs. Spurs, saving a number of close-range efforts in the first half. His is expected to take the goalkeeping duties. White and Timber guarded the fortress well and will be tasked with stopping Ademola Lookman, who loves to run in behind spaces.
Gabriel Maghalaes and William Saliba are crucial to Arsenal’s defence, and they remain in contention to start. The former scored a goal on Sunday and will be eager to strike another blow to the Italian outfit. Jakob Kiwior remains another option on the bench.
🛡️ William Saliba 🛡️ pic.twitter.com/zRKazM0dSf
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 16, 2024
Calafiori remains sidelined, and Tomiyasu didn’t return to the training since suffering a knee injury in preseason training. Kieran Tierney is out until October.
Midfield: Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz
Arsenal have Thomas Partey to cover the defensive midfield spot with Declan Rice playing in a box-to-box role. His presence is a boost for their midfield compartment.
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Havertz will take Odegaard’s place, and he needs to inject his creative side in this contest. Ethan Nwaneri could make it to the bench and is expected to get minutes late in the second half.
Attack: Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli
Summer signing Sterling could finally get his first start as a Gooner. His experience is much needed, as he will play in a relatively new front-line. Bakayo Saka suffered a cramp vs. Spurs, and he will be rested for this game.
Jesus is the top candidate to lead the attack, with Leandro Trossard acting as a replacement. Martinelli will hope to make an impact through the left-wing spot after having an underwhelming start to the season.
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Arsenal’s predicted lineup vs Atalanta: David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Maghalaes, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli
