Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Atalanta - Champions League

THE CHAMPIONNSSSSS.

Get used to it, folks. Arsenal are going to enjoy premier European nights for quite some time following a six-year absence between 2017 and 2023.

The Gunners eased their way back into the Champions League last season, tapping a tame group before claiming their first knockout victory in over a decade. Their journey was cut short by Bayern Munich in the last eight, but Arsenal stand among the favourites to win the competition this time around.

An all-new league phase means the Gunners will face eight different opponents in a big to reach the round of 16. A top-eight spot in the league table sees them automatically progress, with those that finish between ninth and 24th entering a play-off round. Only 12 teams exit the competition after the first round of action, which culminates in January.

Up first Arsenal is a trip to Atalanta less than 72 hours before they take on Manchester City at the Etihad in a blockbuster Premier League duel. The schedule-makers have stiffed the Gunners on this occasion, and the swift turnaround has some supporters pleading with Mikel Arteta to make changes from the team that toppled Tottenham in the North London Derby on Sunday.

Here's how we think Arsenal will line up in Bergamo.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Atalanta (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - There's no need to rest Raya, even if Arsenal have a competent back-up in Neto. Raya kept another clean sheet at the weekend.

Ben White (RB) - White was not at his best in the derby, but he'll be quick to prove that his sloppy showing was a mere blip. He has the tough task of attempting to defend Ademola Lookman one-on-one.

William Saliba (CB) - The Real Madrid target hasn't always shown off his most majestic form in the Champions League, but the French international has started the season superbly, standing up in Arsenal's two biggest games against Aston Villa and Tottenham.

Gabriel (CB) - Arteta could rest Gabriel here, but I don't think the Brazilian would be too pleased with coming out of the team for the club's Champions League opener following his Man of the Match display in the derby.

Jurrien Timber (LB) - Riccardo Calafiori should be fit to earn some minutes in midweek, but I don't think he starts on Thursday. Timber, who was excellent on Sunday, plays an hour with Calafiori enjoying another cameo.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (CM) - Partey is finally building some rhythm in an Arsenal shirt having been consistently dogged by injuries. He's another that should only play an hour on Thursday against an industrious Atalanta midfield.

Declan Rice (CM) - The England international must be chomping at the bit to get back out there after missing Sunday's win due to a suspension. Rice has been strutting a few catwalks in the build-up to this one. We see ya, Dec.

Kai Havertz (CM) - Arteta's utility man could prove to be a real threat with his runs in behind from midfield against an Atalanta side that loves to man-mark. Third-man runs from deep are so hard for man-marking midfielders to track.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Saka limped off in the derby and I absolutely would not be risking him here. Arteta has the weapons at his disposal to mitigate Saka's absence. However, I've just got a feeling the boss will give the winger a run out if he's deemed fit by the medical staff.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - There should be a couple of adjustments to the frontline, with Jesus a strong contender to return to the fold having made an appearance off the bench on Sunday. Havertz and Jesus will work in tandem in a bid to disrupt Atalanta's aggression.

Raheem Sterling (LW) - This is a great chance for Arteta to hand Sterling his first start for the club after he made his debut in N17. Sterling no longer boasts searing pace, but he'll be a more than useful outlet for the visitors in Bergamo.

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!