Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Leeds United in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners had a good start to the league campaign with four straight victories before a disappointing 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion last month.
It was the worst possible way to leave for the international break, and manager Mikel Arteta will want to make amends with a strong result on Saturday.
The Spanish tactician could make at least four changes to the starting XI, and a couple could be forced after hamstring injuries to Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis.
The first change could come at right-back.
Ben White had a bright start to the campaign before picking up an untimely groin injury at Sunderland. Jurrien Timber replaced him at the interval.
That was Timber’s first appearance of the season after a nagging groin issue. He went on to play for an hour during the humbling defeat to the Seagulls.
Timber has since been sparingly involved for the Netherlands in the Nations League, but we would prefer White getting the nod over him at right-back on Saturday.
The Englishman is back to full training after his minor setback. We believe his overlapping presence brings out the best in Bukayo Saka from the right side of attack.
The £50 million star still needs to be handled with some caution. In our view, he should play an hour against Daniel Farke’s side before being replaced by Timber.
In central midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly looks a strong candidate to partner a well-rested Declan Rice.
Bruno Guimaraes made his first league start for the Gunners at Brighton & Hove Albion. He had a tough time as he was outpaced and lost possession in key phases.
He was eventually substituted early in the second half, and has since been on Brazil duty in Australia and India. Regardless of the long travel, we see him on the bench.
Lewis-Skelly was surprisingly an unused substitute against the Seagulls, and should be reinstated in the centre of the park on the back of good displays for England.
In the final third, a couple of changes may be necessary. Tzolis is out for a few weeks with a hamstring issue, while Havertz is likewise doubtful with a similar concern.
Tzolis’ absence naturally means that Eberechi Eze will make his first league start of the season on the left wing. He has already started there in the Carabao Cup and Champions League.
Arteta previously said the 28-year-old is ‘very comfortable‘ playing there, and his biggest moments have come in that role. Hence, Eze looks poised to start on the left wing.
Viktor Gyokeres had a superb international break, scoring in every Nations League game for Sweden. He has played just 29 league minutes this term and should start upfront with Havertz likely to be sidelined.
The Swede has a fantastic record against Leeds with three goals in two appearances. Mikel Merino, who scored a brilliant brace for Spain yesterday, could come on as a makeshift striker if required.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com