Arsenal vs Lille: Predicted starting 11 for Gunners' Champions League test

Arsenal take on Lille in their host game of the 2026/27 Champions League league phase on Tuesday night.

The Gunners returned to winning ways with a 2-1 comeback victory over Leeds last time out. James Justin struck to put the Whites in front, but Riccardo Calafiori's volleyed equaliser was followed by Bruno Guimarães scoring off the bench to secure all three points.

Mikel Arteta managed to contend with injury issues at the weekend as he managed to field players who were expected to be unavailable, but he has fresh problems to worry about this time round with Piero Hincapié and Martín Zubimendi both set to be absent, meaning he may have to rotate less than he initially wanted to.

Here's how Arsenal could line up against Lille.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Lille (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - There is no question about it. He was crucial once again in his side's win over Leeds and he will be hoping to keep a second straight European clean sheet as he starts between the sticks.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - Ben White impressed against the Yorkshire side, but Arteta will take the opportunity to manage his minutes by starting Timber at right back for this clash.

Ezri Konsa (CB) - With William Saliba slowly edging closer to a return, Konsa will know that his spot won't always be guaranteed, but he will most certainly start at centre back tomorrow night.

Gabriel Magalhães (CB) - There is a feeling among some fans that Gabriel could do with some competition in his position to prevent him from falling to sluggish performances, but with no one to fill that quota currently, he should start alongside Konsa.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - Hincapié's injury will have frustrated Arteta as he most likely would have started tomorrow, but instead Calafiori will remain the first-choice at left back and he will be hoping to have an impact all over the pitch once again.

Midfielders

Martin Ødegaard (CM) - His side's two goals likely wouldn't have happened if he wasn't on the pitch against Leeds and despite his performance not being as great as before the break, it would have earned him another start in midfield against Lille.

Bruno Guimarães (CM) - Myles Lewis-Skelly will be disappointed to be dropped for Guimarães, but the Brazilian's impact off the bench at the weekend is more than enough to earn him a first Champions League start for Arsenal.

Declan Rice (CM) - Rice's performance was crucial to his side overturning the deficit last time out and he will start alongside Guimarães and Ødegaard against Lille, but with fatigue starting to show, his minutes will need to be managed.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - His showing against Leeds left a lot to be desired, but Saka should have done enough to start on the right flank tomorrow. He will need to seriously improve with a top performance if he is to keep a permanent hold on the spot though.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - Kai Havertz's swift recovery prevented Gyökeres from starting last time out, but the Swede should get the nod up front this time round and he will be eager to get his first goal of the season.

Eberechi Eze (LW) - Noni Madueke was preferred on the left over Eze on Saturday, but the former Crystal Palace man should come in on the flank as Arteta looks to rotate and offer his players more minutes.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Lille: Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Guimarães, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Eze

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