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Predicted Arsenal XI vs Barcelona: Balogun to get chance?

By James Cormack

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 19: Mikel Arteta on Apple TV before a game between Arsenal and Major League Soccer at Audi Field on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 19: Mikel Arteta on Apple TV before a game between Arsenal and Major League Soccer at Audi Field on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s US tour draws to a close on Wednesday night as the Gunners face Barcelona in Los Angeles.

The home of Stan Kroenke’s Rams, SoFi Stadium, will play host to the contest and Mikel Arteta will be determined to end the tour on a high following Saturday’s disappointing showing against Man Utd.

Individual errors and United’s overwhelming aggression done for Arsenal as the Red Devils eased to a 2-0 win. While the performance and result were both somewhat concerning, the boss still has plenty of time to stumble upon his optimal formula before the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Barcelona

Here’s how the boss could set the Gunners up against Barcelona on Wednesday.

Leandro Trossard has been bright in pre-season. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Leandro Trossard has been bright in pre-season. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Matt Turner will probably play 45 minutes in LA, but I suspect Arteta will deploy Ramsdale from the start on Wednesday after his shaky showing in New Jersey.

Jurrien Timber (RB) – One of few that impressed against United. Arteta’s new chameleon gives the boss plenty of options in defence in terms of build-up structure. It’d be great to see him in the lineup again.

William Saliba (CB) – After missing the end of last season with a lower back problem, Saliba needs as many minutes as possible to ensure he rediscovers his imperious groove ahead of the new season.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) – Kiwior has looked bright in pre-season while functioning as an inverted left-back. Arteta could use the Pole at centre-back on Wednesday given Gabriel’s struggles while functioning as the central defender of the back three in possession.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – With Timber inverting, Tierney could be used as the left centre-back in possession and perform a role that suits him down to the ground. The Scot has carried himself admirably this summer.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – I suspect Declan Rice will be used off the bench in this one given his rusty display on Saturday. Partey remains a part of Arteta’s plans and he should get the nod against a technically proficient Barça midfield.

Leandro Trossard (CM) – Arteta certainly doesn’t yet know what to do with his left-sided #8 position following Granit Xhaka’s departure. The boss has options at his disposal, and Trossard has looked most comfortable there so far this summer.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Fabio Vieira really hasn’t done enough to endear himself to the boss, and Odegaard should be nailed on for minutes on Wednesday. Perhaps Havertz could be used here later on in the contest?

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Barça’s left-back options are slim in Alejandro Balde’s absence and Saka could face up against Marcos Alonso one-vs-one. We like that match-up.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Eddie Nketiah’s poor pre-season continued on Saturday and Jesus is a sure bet to return to the XI with Folarin Balogun’s position unclear.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Arteta could use Trossard, Emile Smith Rowe or Reiss Nelson wide left, but I reckon he sticks with Martinelli for the first half at least.