Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Atalanta, Rice returns, Saka fit
Arsenal start their Champions League campaign against Atalanta on the road tonight.
The Gunners registered a 1-0 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. They will be aiming for another victory in Bergamo.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed good news with Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori fit and part of the squad.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been Arsenal’s undisputed starter for the Premier League and Champions League games. He is expected to continue in goal tonight.
The backline could stay unchanged. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to continue in the heart of the defence for the Gunners.
Ben White is a nailed-on starter at right-back. Jurrien Timber had a brilliant derby at left-back and should get the nod over Calafiori in the role.
Jorginho had a tough outing in the north London derby and he was guilty of committing multiple fouls. He won just three out of eight duels.
We expect him to drop to the bench with Declan Rice returning to the XI. The Englishman was suspended for the recent trip to face Tottenham.
Thomas Partey will partner Rice in the centre of the park which has been a regular occurrence this term.
Further forward, no changes are on the cards. Saka has been deemed fit to play after a minor injury scare. The club graduate is set to start on the right wing.
Gabriel Martinelli won 11 duels and completed six dribbles against Spurs. He was guilty of missing a clear-cut chance, but should keep his spot on the left wing.
We anticipate Kai Havertz to feature from the number 10 role with Leandro Trossard up front. The duo could interchange positions just like in the recent derby.
Arteta has confirmed that Martin Odegaard will be out for some time with an ankle injury.
How Arsenal could line up vs Atalanta