Ethan Nwaneri decision, Raya risk and Sterling chance – Arsenal line ups vs Leicester
Arsenal return to Premier League action with a chance to continue their unbeaten run at the start of this new season with a home tie with Leicester City. Mikel Arteta will want to bounce back from the frustrating end to their game with Manchester City who themselves go to Newcastle United in a tricky away fixture.
Arteta has had to deal with plenty of issues with question marks over David Raya and Jurrien Timber joining both Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino in the medical room this week. Leandro Trossard has now served his suspension against Bolton and will be available for selection.
With a tricky European test against PSG next Tuesday, there is some pressure on the manager to manage minutes.
The big talk from midweek is of course the brace scored by Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri. Two goals while Odegaard remains out immediately has the teenager in the minds of many to start this weekend but I would hold off for at least another week, introducing him later in the game for a significant portion of the fixture – therefore continuing with Trossard for now in the attacking midfield slot.
Ben White returns at right-back and while Jurrien Timber may be in a better place after his rest against Bolton, I think continuing that trend ahead of the visit of PSG would be smart, especially as it gives another chance to Calafiori to play. The usual centre-back pairing resumes with a hopefully recovered David Raya in goal… if not then Neto will get his first minutes for the Gunners.
Declan Rice and Thomas Partey continue in midfield, awaiting the return of Merino. While in attack, I would reward Raheem Sterling’s impressive attacking display with a start alongside Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka – Gabriel Martinelli’s work rate will be important in the Champions League.
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Sterling
