Arsenal picked up a hard-fought and ugly win in the first North London Derby of the new season and now, they will head to Italy to take on Atalanta in their first Champions League group game of the campaign.
The Gunners are still undefeated in the Premier League but on the other hand, Atalanta have won just two out of their first four league matches. There’s no denying that Arsenal will be the favourites even though they are playing away from home, however, if Atalanta can revive their form from last season then Mikel Arteta’s side are really going to struggle to pick up all three points.
The match against Tottenham was really intense which is why Arteta would have loved to rotate his squad a little bit but he currently does not have that luxury due to the various injury concerns. This will be a big headache for the manager because just three days after this match, Arsenal are set to take on Manchester City in the Premier League.
Arsenal team news and injuries:
DEFENCE:
Riccardo Calafiori is ruled out with a shin injury and Zinchenko will also be unavailable after the left-back missed Sunday’s game due to a calf problem.
These two injuries mean Arsenal will have the same backline that they did against Spurs. All four did a great job of shutting out Ange’s side however, fatigue and stress-related injuries will be a major concern on Thursday night. Jurrien Timber was particularly superb out on the left-hand side.
MIDFIELD:
Declan Rice will return from suspension which is a massive boost for the Arsenal manager but Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino remain injured.
Both Jorginho and Thomas Partey played the full 90 minutes on Sunday but with Rice coming into the starting lineup, one of them will drop to the bench. We think the Italian international will be the one who will be sacrificed in midweek.
Kai Havertz played in the No. 10 role due to Odegaard’s absence and the German international will continue in that position.
ATTACK:
Raheem Sterling is expected to start his first game for Arsenal as the loanee replaces Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.
Saka got an injury scare on Sunday however, the latest reports are suggesting that he was withdrawn due to cramps and will be fit and available for selection. However, because Sterling can play on the right-hand side, there’s also a possibility that the loanee replaces Saka.
Gabriel Jesus is back to full fitness and the Brazilian international is going to start against Atalanta.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Atalanta:
Predicted Starting lineup(4-2-3-1): Raya; Gabriel, Saliba, Ben White, Timber; Declan Rice, Partey; Havertz, Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus.
