Arsenal will travel to Girona for their final Champions League league phase match on Wednesday, where their focus will be on securing a solid result while keeping an eye on their upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City. Despite their campaign not being spectacular, the Gunners have been efficient enough to ensure they are well-positioned for the knockout rounds.
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Arsenal’s Current Champions League Position
With their place in the knockout rounds all but secured, Arsenal are now only concerned with whether they will finish third or fourth in the league phase table. As Manchester City face a must-win match against Club Brugge, Mikel Arteta’s side can afford to rotate his team without too much worry. However, Arteta will want to avoid any unwanted surprises and will still rely on some key players.
Predicted Lineup for Arsenal vs Girona (4-3-3)
- GK: David Raya – Raya has been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, and given the importance of securing a solid result, he will start in goal for the Gunners.
- RB: Jurrien Timber – With Ben White nearing a return, Timber will likely start at right-back, continuing his solid run of form in the absence of alternatives.
- CB: William Saliba – After recovering from a minor hamstring injury, Saliba should return to the starting lineup, although he may not play the full 90 minutes to avoid overloading him.
- CB: Jakub Kiwior – With Gabriel in excellent form, Kiwior could be given a breather ahead of the weekend’s crucial match against Manchester City.
- LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly – With Riccardo Calafiori preparing for domestic duties, Lewis-Skelly is likely to start at left-back and will not be suspended for this Champions League fixture.
- CM: Jorginho – Jorginho has shown improvement in recent games after some early struggles this season. He will be crucial in midfield for this game.
- CM: Mikel Merino – If fit after a knock kept him out of the Wolves game, Merino should start, particularly given his familiarity with the competition.
- CM: Ethan Nwaneri – With Martin Ødegaard unavailable due to illness, Nwaneri could be given the opportunity to impress in midfield and provide a creative spark.
- RW: Raheem Sterling – Despite no reinforcements arriving, Sterling is likely to start on the right wing, with Arteta likely saving him for the more important Manchester City clash.
- ST: Kai Havertz – Arsenal may opt to play without a traditional striker, preserving Havertz for the weekend. If Havertz does start, he is expected to come off around the hour mark.
- LW: Leandro Trossard – Trossard has regained form and will start on the left wing, providing creativity and attacking threat to Arsenal’s front line.
What to Expect from Arsenal
With the league phase almost behind them, Arsenal are keen to finish strong against Girona before turning their attention to a vital Premier League showdown with Manchester City. Arteta will likely rotate his squad but still ensure that key players are rested and ready for the domestic challenge.
Can Arsenal close out the group stage with a victory? What are your thoughts on the lineup? Let us know in the comments below!
