Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Sevilla: Injuries hit the front six

Arsenal’s victory in Seville two weeks ago left them in a strong position at the top of Group B. With two home games in the group remaining, the Gunners will fancy their chances of progressing into the Champions League knockout stages.

However, Wednesday’s fixture at home to Sevilla is bound to be a stressful one. The La Liga outfit depicted in the reverse encounter that their sound build-up is capable of stealing control away from the Premier League side, and Arsenal were forced to defend resolutely in the closing stages to preserve their victory.

The hosts are also set to be without Eddie Nketiah and Martin Odegaard for the upcoming game, with the pair joining Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, and Jurrien Timber on the sidelines.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Sevilla

Arsenal’s absences will leave Mikel Arteta with plenty to ponder on, and here’s the starting XI he could pick for Sevilla’s visit.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) – Raya remains Arsenal’s number one despite the Spaniard’s positioning once again coming into question at the weekend.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – Ben White has been off the boil in his last two outings, and a breather wouldn’t go amiss. Tomiyasu switched over to right-back when White was substituted at Newcastle.

William Saliba (CB) – Saliba has barely put a foot wrong this season and is probably the first name on the team sheet.

Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel didn’t cover himself in glory for Newcastle’s goal on Saturday (before the potential foul), but his performances have been consistently sturdy since he was brought back into the team.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Zinchenko seems to be falling out of favour slightly, but he should be brought back into the side on Wednesday. Arteta will want to dominate the contest with the ball, and the Ukrainian plays such an important role in possession.

Midfielders

Jorginho (DM) – Partey’s injury and Odegaard’s likely absence means Jorginho will likely continue in the side at the base of midfield.

Declan Rice (CM) – Rice has been Arsenal’s standout performer of the campaign thus far alongside Saliba. The all-action midfielder was superb in the reverse fixture.

Kai Havertz (CM) – Is Havertz showing promise, or are we dropping our standards?

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Hasn’t looked himself since his hamstring injury, but there’s no doubt he’ll continue in the side. Needs support from Havertz if Odegaard misses out.

Leandro Trossard (ST) – I think Arteta should’ve made a change even if Nketiah was fit. Trossard proved a useful forward option when Jesus and Eddie were out last season, and he should be tested in a central position again.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Arteta needs more from his wide man, and he should benefit from Trossard’s utilisation as a centre forward. The Belgian should facilitate more fluidity in the front line.