Arsenal fans could finally get their wish of seeing Mikel Arteta field what many think is his best starting XI. Injuries have prevented him from doing so this season but the Champions League trip to Sevilla on Tuesday provides a great opportunity.
Arsenal head to Spain having won one and lost one of their two group-stage matches. Defeat last time out at Lens for the Gunners opened up Group B ahead of gameweek three.
Arteta’s side realistically need to win at least two of their remaining matches and pick up a point or two elsewhere in order to qualify for the knockout stages. The Spaniard is not in a position to rest any of his first-choice players.
Saturday’s showing at Chelsea was a concern and how Arsenal came away with a point is beyond many who watched the game. What made the performance even more surprising was that Arteta almost named a full-strength side.
The only player missing from what many think is the best XI was Thomas Partey, who is being carefully managed back from his groin injury. The Ghana star played for his country in the international break but remained on the bench at Stamford Bridge.
Arteta will be hopeful of starting him in Seville, with Jorginho the likeliest player to make way. A midfield trio of Partey, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice has been rarely seen this season.
Arteta used that triumvirate in the Community Shield win over Manchester City but has not done so from the start of a match since. Arsenal fans have been waiting to see it in action and that could come to fruition on Tuesday.
The rest of the starting XI could also be first choice. Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel and Oleksandr Zinchenko should all be fit to start at the back against the Europa League champions.
A decision needs to be made over who plays in goal. David Raya’s mistake at Chelsea has seen many question why he is starting ahead of Aaron Ramsdale.
Ramsdale missed the weekend’s match due to the birth of his first child but should be back for this one. Meanwhile, a front three of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli could be seen again.
They were nowhere near their best on Saturday but there is no doubt they are the preferred attack if they are available. Arsenal fans have had to wait a while to see their best XI in action but that wish could finally come true tomorrow.
