Arsenal host Monaco in tonight’s Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners shared the spoils against Fulham on the road in the Premier League on Sunday.
They lacked the cutting edge with their finishing and need to improve against Monaco.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has a selection headache on his hands with seven players injured including Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey, who missed training on Tuesday.
Arsenal are presently two points behind the top eight in the Champions League table, who are guaranteed to make the round of 16 stage without a knockout play-off.
Tonight’s game is a must-win and we anticipate at least three changes to the XI.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been brilliant in goal for the Gunners this campaign. The Spain international will be aiming for his third straight clean sheet at home in all competitions.
In the backline, there will be enforced changes with Timber and Partey doubtful. Arteta has dropped a huge hint that Kieran Tierney could make his first club appearance since August 2023.
With Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko sidelined, the Scotland international looks primed to start from the left-back position for the Gunners.
William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior look set to continue as the central defensive pairing with Gabriel Magalhaes doubtful with injury. At right-back, Arteta could go with a wildcard option.
Josh Nichols has played there in the Carabao Cup, but he is also doubtful with injury. Hence, we anticipate Declan Rice to operate from right-back against Monaco.
The Englishman has played as a central defender for West Ham United in the past with a rare appearance at right-back. He seems the likely option to occupy the role.
In midfield, Jorginho and Martin Odegaard are likely to be accompanied by Mikel Merino. The Spaniard should be handy against Monaco with his knack for making late runs into the box.
We predict one change in the frontline with Leandro Trossard making way for Gabriel Martinelli.
Martinelli was guilty of straying offside which denied a late winner for Arsenal, but he showed more attacking intent than Trossard from the left wing position against Fulham.
The Brazilian should start tonight with Saka on the right wing. With Gabriel Jesus’ lack of form and confidence, Kai Havertz should be a guaranteed starter up front.
How Arsenal could line up vs Monaco
Stats from Transfermarkt.com