Arsenal are back in Champions League action in midweek as they take on Slavia Prague in their next league phase encounter.
The Gunners have been perfect in their European campaign so far, picking up three wins from their opening three games.
Victories over Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club and Olympiacos have come with a stroll, as Arsenal have their sights set on a top-eight finish in the Champions League.
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A trip to Slavia Prague will provide a different test for Mikel Arteta, as he faces a tough call on some of his own players, who are facing injury and suspension troubles.
Mikel Arteta reacts during Burnley vs Arsenal in the Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Arsenal predicted XI vs Slavia Prague
Mikel Arteta has some big decisions to make over his team when Arsenal take on Slavia Prague, as a result is necessary, but so too is managing the squad.
The Gunners are without Martin Zubimendi through suspension, while Viktor Gyokeres’ injury means he is a doubt for the game.
Kepa Arrizabalaga missed training before the match, potentially joining an injury list that includes Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus.
It means that solutions are necessary, with David Raya likely to keep hold of his place between the sticks.
The back four could revert to the changed one seen in the cup last week, handing opportunities to Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Zubimendi’s absence could see Christian Norgaard back in the team, while Mikel Merino could replace Declan Rice, who is one booking away from a Champions League ban.
As a result, a front four could contain Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to cover other gaps from absences.
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Merino; Eze, Nwaneri, Saka; Trossard.
Arsenal's predicted XI vs Slavia Prague in the Champions League
Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Slavia Prague in the Champions League
Arsenal’s challenge to replace Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi
Given how well Arsenal have performed this season, there are understandable concerns that the absence of both Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi could hurt the team.
The new striker has provided a mobile threat in the frontline, often pushing defences back and creating space for his teammates.
As for his fellow summer signing in midfield, a lot of the central play has come from his quality in receiving the ball from the backline and progressing down the field.
Arsenal will be hopeful they have enough quality in their squad to beat Slavia Prague, but they shouldn’t be underestimated.
The lack of Gyokeres and Zubimendi in the team could end up coming back to bite the side in a way they don’t want it to.