Predicted Arsenal XI vs FK Bodø/Glimt: Europa League side returns to action

Arsenal’s winning momentum just won’t go away.

The Gunners have lost just once all season, and they secured a mammoth triumph against Liverpool on Sunday to remain top of the Premier League table. It was a thrilling encounter, but there wasn’t much time for Mikel Arteta to celebrate the victory with games arriving at an alarming rate throughout October.

Arsenal are back in Europa League action this week with a tricky test to the Arctic Circle impending. While Arteta’s side dispatched Norwegian champions FK Bodø/Glimt at the Emirates last Thursday, the freezing temperatures and unusual playing surface render the upcoming bout a more difficult assignment for the Gunners.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs FK Bodø/Glimt

Arteta’s poised to rotate heavily again for this midweek encounter, and here’s the starting XI he could pick.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Matt Turner (GK) – He’ll start between the sticks throughout this competition.

Cedric Soares (RB) – The veteran defender returned from injury last week but he’s yet to be utilised by Arteta. Perhaps this will be a good opportunity for Cedric to be reintegrated.

Ben White (CB) – Gabriel has started Arsenal’s first two Europa League outings but I think the boss will switch it up and give White a chance to play in his ‘preferred’ position in this one.

Rob Holding (CB) – Holding will likely start throughout the group stage. The defender got himself on the scoresheet last week.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Tierney was a late substitute in the triumph over Liverpool with Takehiro Tomiyasu impressing against Mo Salah at left-back. With Oleksandr Zinchenko set to miss out, Tierney should start on Thursday.

Midfielders

Sambi Lokonga (DM) – Thomas Partey will have his feet up on the sidelines while his pals enjoy the freezing conditions and artificial turf on Thursday. Sambi Lokonga will deputise for the Ghanaian at the base of midfield.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Injuries mean that one of Arsenal’s Premier League midfield will have to start in Norway and given that he started last Thursday, Xhaka will likely retain his place in the team.

Fabio Vieira (CM) – The Portuguese playmaker has proved himself to be a prolific operator in the final third as he notched two goal contributions in the reverse fixture. As it stands, Fabio Vieira’s primary opportunities will continue to arrive in Europe.

Forwards

Marquinhos (RW) – Marquinhos’ first Emirates start wasn’t quite as magical as his full Arsenal debut in Switzerland but he should keep his place in the Europa League XI on Thursday. The Brazilian certainly wouldn’t have experienced the conditions he’ll face in the Arctic Circle.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – Nketiah added to his Europa League scoring tally last Thursday and is guaranteed to start again in this one. Gabriel Jesus has made the trip to Norway, but Arteta will be hesitant to give the Brazilian any minutes.

Reiss Nelson (LW) – Budding superstar Gabriel Martinelli deserves a rest and it’d be great to see Nelson earn his first start of the season on Thursday. The winger was bright on his return last week.