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Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk: 6 non-negotiable starters for Mikel Arteta
By Kian Long
Arsenal come up against Shakhtar Donetsk in the third UEFA Champions League match. Needing a win, here are 6 non-negotiable starters for Mikel Arteta.
At the weekend, Arsenal suffered their first loss of the season. It was a deserved loss, as William Saliba was shown a red card in the first-half. No excuses, Bournemouth were the better team.
Now, they will host Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League. It is a chance for Arsenal to get back to winning ways in midweek. To do so, Mikel Arteta must field a strong lineup.
Some starting lineup choices select themselves. While midweek fixtures often involve squad rotation, here are 6 non-negotiable starters for Mikel Arteta in the UEFA Champions League fixture.
Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk: 6 non-negotiable starters for Mikel Arteta
1. David Raya
Arsenal is one of just six clubs yet to concede a goal in the UEFA Champions League. David Raya is largely responsible for this.
He produced a great double save from the spot against Atalanta in matchday 1, then made two saves against Paris Saint-German in matchday 2.
As the strongest goalkeeper option for Arsenal, David Raya is a non-negotiable starter.
2. William Saliba
William Saliba was shown a red card at the weekend. However, his suspension does not apply to the UEFA Champions League. As one of the best defenders in the world, he is bound to start.
3. Gabriel Magalhaes
Whenever William Saliba starts, so too does Gabriel Magalhaes. Acting as a leader in the loss against Bournemouth, he will be more eager than most to beat Shakhtar Donetsk.
After Jakub Kiwior's display at the weekend, Arsenal fans would not feel assured seeing him in the starting lineup.
4. Riccardo Calafiori
Since making his full debut, Riccardo Calafiori has become indispensable. An argument could be made that he'd benefit from resting, but Arsenal would benefit more from playing him.
For certain, Calafiori deserves to keep his spot in the starting lineup against Shakhtar.
5. Declan Rice
Arsenal's engine. Without Declan Rice, Arsenal lack that cutting edge in the midfield. As a player for the big occasion, Rice was built for games as big as this. He will certainly start tonight.
6. Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz has been one of Arsenal's best performers this season. This was demonstrated when he scored in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain. As one of the players who has won the Champions League in the past, it's a competition he's always favoured to start in.
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