Arsenal are set to face RC Lens in the Champions League tonight, knowing that a win will confirm their place in the knockout stages as group winners.
Mikel Arteta will want to get the job done tonight and make what promises to be a tough trip to PSV Eindhoven in December a game with no jeopardy.
This means that he is likely to continue with a strong lineup, fresh from Saturday’s late victory over Brentford, but he will not be able to welcome the Premier League-suspended Fabio Vieira back, after it emerged that he will be out for the next few weeks.
Arsenal were beaten by Lens in the return fixture in September, and it will not be an easy game at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
There are number of injury problems remaining within the Arsenal squad, with Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber absent, but Ben White looks set to be included tonight, having returned to the bench against Brentford.
Aaron Ramsdale started ahead of the ineligible David Raya on Saturday, with the Spaniard now the number one option in goal for the Premier League and Champions League, but did himself no favours with his passing, which seemingly annoyed Mikel Arteta, and Raya may well return tonight.
Arsenal predicted XI vs RC Lens
David Raya
The Spaniard has started in every Champions League game so far, despite Ramsdale’s efforts last season helping Arsenal to qualify for the competition, and looks set to return after missing Saturday’s game against his parent club.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Despite Arteta confirming that Ben White will be available, Tomiyasu may continue at right-back tonight, with White coming back in against Wolves on Saturday when he has had more time to train.
William Saliba
The Frenchman is arguably Arsenal’s most important player, and it seems unlikely that he will be rested just yet with qualification on the line.
Jakub Kiwior
There could be a rest for Gabriel Magalhaes, who played twice for Brazil over the International break, and Jakub Kiwior deserves an opportunity to shine, amidst rumoured transfer interest.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko has been outstanding in recent games, and with Arsenal expected to dominate possession again, his ability on the ball as he tucks into midfield will be key tonight.
Declan Rice
Rice is an undroppable figure right now, and until qualification is secured, we can expect to see him in the starting XI.
Martin Odegaard
The Arsenal captain missed a number of games before the international break with injury before returning against Brentford, and will aim to build up some form against the Ligue 1 side.
Kai Havertz
Havertz finally scored from open play after months of struggle since his arrival in the summer, and his late winner against Brentford may have earned him a start ahead of Leandro Trossard, with the £90k-a-week star perhaps unlucky to miss out having started in midfield on Saturday.
Bukayo Saka
Saka is fit, therefore Saka starts. Arsenal fans will hope that the team can build up an early enough lead that the winger can be substituted in the latter stages.
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus missed a month of action before starting against Argentina and Brentford, and he will now hope to build up some more match fitness after an injury-ridden campaign so far.
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli was sensational in both of his Champions League appearances against Sevilla, and will aim to find his shooting boots in front of goal, with just two goals in 15 appearances across all competitions.
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