Arsenal are preparing for a Champions League Round of 16 clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.
It wasn’t the best result in the first leg for Arsenal, as they only managed to draw 1-1 against the Bundesliga side, meaning they still have work to do in the second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
Most Read on Gooner News
However, their recent form has been impressive. The Gunners scored twice to win 2-0 against Everton in the Premier League over the weekend, it has left them nine points clear of rivals Manchester City with just seven matches left to play.
But, looking back to the Leverkusen game, this is how Mikel Arteta‘s side could line up in the Champions League on Tuesday night…
Arteta starts with his strongest defence
GK – David Raya – Kepa Arrizabalaga has been starting in a lot of the cup competitions, but Raya starts seeing as this is a crucial game.
LB – Riccardo Calafiori –Calafiori starts at left back yet again, as he continues a very impressive season for the Gunners.
CB – Gabriel – Gabriel remains a key player for Arteta, and should start when he is fit, especially in the Premier League and Champions League.
CB – William Saliba – Saliba will hope to keep a clean sheet against Leverkusen to help the Gunners progress to the quarter-finals.
RB – Jurrien Timber – Timber has been one of the best full-backs this season, but his form has declined slightly as of late.
Havertz starts in a deeper role
CM – Martin Zubimendi –Zubimendi is a key player in Arteta’s midfield, and should expect to start against Leverkusen.
CM – Declan Rice – Rice and Zubimendi have developed a fantastic pairing in the middle of the park, looking to control the game for Arsenal.
CAM – Kai Havertz – Havertz has been impressive in his limited appearances this season, he could start in attacking midfield with Martin Odegaard an injury doubt.
Martinelli replaces Madueke in the Arsenal attack
LW – Gabriel Martinelli – The Brazilian winger was benched against Everton, but could come back into the starting XI this weekend.
RW – Bukayo Saka – Seeing as it is such an important game, Saka should be starting on the right-wing.
ST – Viktor Gyokeres – The Swedish international scored for the Gunners in the 89th minute against Everton, before Max Dowman scored a second goal.