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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Sporting CP: Makeshift forward line

By James Cormack

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal (obscured) celebrates victory with teammates Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka following the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on March 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal (obscured) celebrates victory with teammates Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka following the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on March 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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The Europa League is back on Arsenal’s agenda as they fly to Lisbon for the first leg of their round of 16 tie.

The Gunners’ continued success in the Premier League had thrust the European competition to the back of all of our minds, but it has returned to prominence with a trip to Sporting CP on the way.

It’ll be interesting to see how seriously the club takes their continental venture given what they could achieve back home, with Mikel Arteta certain to rotate his pack ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fulham.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Sporting CP

Here’s the starting XI the boss could pick for the first leg against Sporting.

Could this be Arsenal’s front three in Lisbon? (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Could this be Arsenal’s front three in Lisbon? (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Matt Turner (GK) – We’ve only seen Turner in action once this calendar year, but he’s a sure bet to return to the team in Lisbon. The American has barely put a foot wrong since joining the club last summer.

Ben White (RB) – White probably thought he’d be earning a rest but an absence at left-back could thrust him into action. He scored his first goal for the club at the weekend.

William Saliba (CB) – Arteta used at least one of his two starting centre-backs throughout the group stage and I think that theme will continue on Thursday despite the addition of another defender in January.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) – We’re yet to see Kiwior in action for the senior side, but this appears to be the right time to hand him his debut. Let’s see what he can do!

Takehiro Tomiyasu (LB) – Kieran Tierney didn’t train ahead of the game and will not feature. But, instead of deploying Oleksandr Zinchenko from the outset, Arteta could do what he did at times last autumn and ask Tomiyasu to play on the opposite flank.

Midfielders

Jorginho (DM) – This is the perfect chance to manage Thomas Partey’s minutes and bring Jorginho back into the team after the Italian played no part in Saturday’s thrilling win over Bournemouth.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Arteta’s ironman will probably regain his place despite suffering from an indifferent run of form in 2023. I think he’s the balancer Arsenal’s midfield probably needs, especially if Martin Odegaard earns a rest.

Fabio Vieira (CM) – The creator could be used out wide, but I suspect Arteta will not want to overhaul his attacking line on Thursday. Thus, Vieira will occupy the right half-space in midfield and operate as the Gunners’ primary playmaker.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Many fans will want to see their starboy earn a well-deserved rest, but Arteta might be forced to start Saka given Arsenal’s injuries in attack. Hopefully, he doesn’t play the full 90.

Gabriel Martinelli (ST) – Injuries to Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard mean Arteta needs a striker. Gabriel Jesus is set to travel with the squad but almost certainly won’t play any part. The boss has a couple of options, but it’s likely that the in-form Martinelli will get the nod.

Reiss Nelson (LW) – Our hero. It’s been a memorable season for Nelson despite barely featuring for the Gunners. He’s versatile and can play off either flank, but Arsenal’s injuries necessitate him to operate from the left on Thursday.