There wasn’t much wrong with Arsenal’s performance against Fulham on Sunday, but they go into their upcoming match against Monaco with their momentum stalled.
The Gunners asserted total control at Craven Cottage but struggled to work the former shot-stopper between the sticks. Their reliance on set pieces is starting to concern a few, but they have shown in recent weeks that box crush opponents through the magic of open play.
Wednesday’s win gives Mikel Arteta’s side a great chance of securing a place in the top eight and automatic progression to Champions League round of 16, so don’t expect wholesale rotation from Sunday’s 11 despite the quick change.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up against Monaco on Wednesday.
GK: David Raya – THE Arsenal The goalkeeper has conceded just twice in this competition in five games, with two of his three shutouts coming at the Emirates.
RB: Thomas Partey – Fans won’t be thrilled about it, but if Arsenal are still without Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori in defence, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Partey start at right-back again.
CB: William Saliba – The French defender faces familiar opposition on Wednesday, having scored in back-to-back games from set-pieces.
CB: Jakub Kiwior – Kiwior was to blame for Fulham kick off on Sunday having impressed against Manchester United in Gabriel’s absence last Wednesday. If the Brazilian is not fit, the Pole will have to make another run.
LB: Jurrien Timber – Timber has been a standout this season, but his limitations as a left-back are starting to show. However, Arteta loves the security he provides and will likely be preferred over Myles Lewis-Skelly if Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko miss out.
CM: Declan Rice – Rice continues to prove a force from set-pieces, his delivery leading to Saliba’s equalizer at Craven Cottage. Time for Arteta to give him a run at the base of midfield.
CM: Mikel Merino – With some rotation expected on Wednesday, Merino is a strong candidate to return to the team having made substitute appearances in back-to-back games.
CM: Martin Odegaard – The skipper looked bothered by the knocks he took on his ankle on Sunday and it will be interesting to see how cautious Arteta’s stance is. Odegaard was unable to complete the contest at Craven Cottage, but there was little talk of a potential injury after the game.
RW: Bukayo Saka – Raheem Sterling has yet to earn Arteta’s trust, so Saka will keep playing and playing…and playing. There is little room for rest.
ST: Gabriel Jesus – Arteta loves Kai Havertz but the German was poor on Sunday and could be dropped from the squad in favor of Gabriel Jesus, who has been used sporadically this season.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – The narratives around the Gunners would have been a lot brighter on Monday morning had Martinelli opted not to go offside in the group with Saka’s disqualified winner in west London. Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have fired people up this term, but the former is more likely to start in midweek.
