Arsenal take on Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon as they look to get back to winning ways after dropping points to Chelsea last weekend. The Premier League new boys are yet to win a single game this season and have only picked up one point from their opening nine games. Meanwhile, the Gunners remain undefeated heading into matchday 10. But it’s not all good news for the north Londoners. Starting forward Gabriel Jesus and formidable midfielder Thomas Partey have been ruled out of this weekend’s clash. The double injury blow is set to shake up Mikel Arteta’s selections. And here, Express Sport lays out how different his starting XI will look without either man.
Goalkeeper – Raya
There is serious debate as to whether David Raya deserves to keep his place between the sticks after dropping four consecutive clangers. However, it appears Arteta has given the Brentford loanee his full backing. Aaron Ramsdale will be left wondering what he has to do to break back into the side and should start against his old club – but probably won’t.
Defenders – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko
Arteta is unlikely to re-shuffle his favoured back four against the Blades. The Spaniard will have the opportunity to rest his regulars during Wednesday’s EFL Cup tie against West Ham and so not much is expected to change in the backline.
Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magahales and Oleksandr Zinchenko are extremely familiar with each other and were pivotal to Arsenal’s successes last season. If all four are fit it is unlikely they will be rotated.
Midfielders – Odegaard, Rice, Havertz
Jorginho could drop out of the starting XI as the north Londoners are expected to dominate possession on Saturday. The Italian deep-lying playmaker does an excellent job of slowing down the game but that won’t be needed against an opposition with a minus 17 goal difference.
Kai Havertz or Fabio Vieria seem to be the most obvious replacements although the latter was mysteriously left out of Arsenal’s squad against Chelsea despite being fully fit. As a result, Havertz’s inclusion would be more probable. Meanwhile, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are nailed-on starters. Partey is out injured.
Forwards – Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Arsenal have been rocked by the news that star striker Jesus won’t be available for selection due to injury. The Brazilian is expected to be out for at least a few weeks alongside Partey. Eddie Nketiah, as he has done so often when Jesus has been unavailable, should slot in down the middle.
