Arsenal are set for a blockbuster Champions League semifinal at the Emirates as they take on PSG in the first leg on Tuesday. Mikel Arteta is expected to name a strong lineup at home to counter the threat posed by the Parisians, as there will be a tweak in the system.
During his press conference, there were plenty of questions related to the importance of the game as well as what it means for Arsenal. Arteta also provided key fitness updates, as he might have a strong squad available for selection.
The big worry before today was with the fitness of Ben White and Mikel Merino, with the duo spotted in training on Monday. It’s a big boost to have the duo, particularly the latter, who has been sensational since playing as a makeshift striker. However, Arteta confirmed Riccardo Calafiori was still out and Thomas Partey will miss out with a suspension following his late yellow card against Real Madrid.
Arteta said, “We know that we lost Thomas Partey unfortunately very late in the game against Real Madrid [to suspension]. Ben White and Mikel Merino were able to train and we will see if they are able to start tomorrow. Riccardo Calafiori is still not fit. “
Arteta was asked whether this game felt like the biggest of his life, to which he said, “It does and you sense it, you sense the energy, the enthusiasm that it’s something unique. It’s probably one of the biggest games that the Emirates have seen since we built it. We’re full of energy, enthusiasm and can’t wait to play the game tomorrow.”
Arteta also called the supporters to create a solid atmosphere at the Emirates. He said, “I told them and I’m not exaggerating when I said bring your boots, bring your shorts, bring your t-shirts and let’s play every ball together. We want to do something special, that place has to be something special, something that we haven’t seen. I really hope that everybody who comes tomorrow to the Emirates and everybody watching and following us brings that energy with them.”
In terms of the team selection, Arteta will select the strongest lineup at his disposal, with a familiar backline set to take shape. Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly are all set to start, while Ben White’s availability gives them an extra defensive boost off the bench alongside the likes of Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
The midfield setup is a conundrum Arteta must solve tactically, as he’s likely to use Merino alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the middle as Partey serves a suspension. There are some other combinations the manager can think about such as using Lewis-Skelly in a new role, but the teenager is likely to stay in the left-back role.
Leandro Trossard has three goals in his last two games, where he started in the No.9 role, which has been a big indicator of Arteta’s plans for the position. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are definite choices for either wing, as the duo will look to make a huge impact on proceedings.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
