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Raheem Sterling debut, Jurrien Timber left out – Arsenal predicted XI vs Atalanta

Arsenal’s brutal week continues with a trip to Bergamo to take on Atalanta in the Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s depleted Gunners side were able to secure an impressive win over Tottenham on Sunday but face an altogether different challenge in the Europa League holders.

It does look as though Arteta will at least be bolstered by the return of Riccardo Calafiori after the Italian international was spotted in training at London Colney. Declan Rice will also be available after missing the North London Derby through suspension.

Martin Odegaard will miss the game, however, as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney and Mikel Merino will also remain on the sidelines.

With Manchester City coming up, Arteta faces a tricky balancing act in regards to how to use his thinning squad. Here’s who football.london expect him to start on Thursday night.

Goalkeeper – David Raya

David Raya of Arsenal (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
David Raya was very impressive even if not regularly tested in the North London Derby. He’ll be relishing a start to his second season in the Champions League.

Right-back – Ben White

Dejan Kulusevski delivered a good showing in Tottenham's defeat to Arsenal
Ben White was not necessarily at his best in Sunday’s win, but he was able to step up in the closing stages when backs were up against the wall. He’ll be looking for a more complete performance in Bergamo.

Centre-back – William Saliba

William Saliba of Arsenal
William Saliba was pretty impressive against Spurs yet again. The Frenchman wasn’t at his best in the Champions League last season and will want to put that right this time around.

Centre-back – Gabriel

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Arsenal's Gabriel celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Is there a better centre-back than Gabriel at the moment? There certainly wasn’t over the weekend. The Brazilian will be keen to keep that up in Europe.

Left-back – Riccardo Calafiori

People forget that Sunday was Jurrien Timber’s first 90 minutes in an Arsenal shirt. Starting three games in a week will be too much surely for the Dutchman. With Arsenal so short at full-back despite their myriad of options expect Riccardo Calafiori to come in after recovering from his own issue.

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