3 talking points ahead of Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk

  • Gunners host Ukrainian champions in league phase
  • Potential start for a youngster while big man could miss out
  • A win is crucial at this stage
Havertz netted last time out in the Champions League
Havertz netted last time out in the Champions League / Julian Finney/GettyImages
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3. Another UCL win is crucial

Arsenal FC v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2
The Gunners need to win every UCL game they can / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

Arsenal have won one and drawn one of their opening two games of the league phase and are currently sat in 13th place in the table as a result. This puts them within the knockout stage play-off round but Arteta's side should be looking to finish in the top eight.

The top eight positions would see the Gunners automatically qualify for the round of 16, eliminating the necessity to go through the play-off round. Removing two extra possible games from what will already be a packed schedule should be a goal of Arsenal's and winning every remaining game of their league phase should see them achieve that.

Tonight's matchup with Shakhtar is one of six games remaining for the Gunners and a win against the Ukrainian side is crucial for them to kickstart a good run in Europe's elite competition. Picking up three points against Shakhtar is as important as ever for Arsenal.


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