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Predicted Arsenal XI vs FK Bodø/Glimt: 10 changes from NLD win

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal applauds fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal applauds fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Following the highs of Saturday’s North London derby triumph, Arsenal are back in Europa League action as they host FK Bodo/Glimt on Matchday 3 of the group stage.

The Gunners’ European campaign was disrupted by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and Thursday’s bout will be their second game in Group A. Thus, their upcoming opponents sit atop the group having played a game more.

Mikel Arteta will ring the changes from Saturday’s victorious side, with many fringe players earning huge opportunities to impress the boss.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs FK Bodø/Glimt

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could opt for against FK Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Rob Holding has barely featured for Arsenal this season. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Rob Holding has barely featured for Arsenal this season. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Matt Turner (GK) – Turner’s not going to get a chance in the Premier League while Aaron Ramsdale remains fit, but he should start throughout the Europa League group stage. This will be his first Emirates appearance.

Cedric Soares (RB) – Cedric’s just returned from injury and could be thrust into a starting role right away.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (CB) – Ben White’s form means Tomiyasu has barely got a look in this season, but he’s almost guaranteed a start on Thursday. However, he could play in the centre of defence with William Saliba and Gabriel both set to be rested.

Rob Holding (CB) – The Englishman started in Switzerland on Matchday 1 and should get another go against Bodo/Glimt.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Oleksandr Zinchenko started in the derby but many wanted to see Tierney. The Scot showed signs of returning to his very best form before the break. He’ll start on Thursday and could prove to be a useful attacking outlet.

Midfielders

Granit Xhaka could retain his place in midfield and captain the side. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka could retain his place in midfield and captain the side. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Sambi Lokonga (DM) – This is a brilliant opportunity for Lokonga to mature in the single pivot with Thomas Partey unlikely to play any part in the group stage.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – The only player that we’re projecting to remain in the starting XI from Saturday. Xhaka’s played a LOT of football already this season, but we think Arteta will continue with the Swiss international in midfield with Emile Smith Rowe absent.

Fabio Vieira (CM) – Fabio Vieira will make his Emirates debut on Thursday and the home faithful cannot wait to catch a glimpse of the slight Portuguese playmaker.

Forwards

Reiss Nelson could make his first start of the season. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Reiss Nelson could make his first start of the season. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Marquinhos (RW) – Marquinhos dazzled on his Arsenal debut against FC Zurich and this will be another great chance for the Brazilian to impress the manager.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Gabriel Jesus’ brilliance has meant Nketiah’s chances have come few and far between this season. However, he’ll start on Thursday after netting the winner on Matchday 1.

Reiss Nelson (LW) – He’s back! Nelson has been out of action for two months but he returned to the squad on Saturday. With Gabriel Martinelli desperately needing a rest, Nelson will likely start down the left for the Gunners on Thursday.