Arsenal vs Bodo, Thurs 6 Oct 8pm

Pepe LeFrits

Presumably it'll be largely our 2nd string for this, but with players missing, who plays at CB, CM and LW?

Looks like Cedric is out so I'd guess White will partner Holding at CB. Nelson may be available.

Sicario

CB Holding and White like you said

CM Sambi and I would play Matt Smith (Xhaka can’t play every single game)

LW - Marquinhos and RW Nelson.

Let’s win, keep the momentum and keep the feel good factor going.

COYG.

JazzG

Has to be second string, especially with Liverpool having two days extra rest. I would have a strong bench in case things go wrong.

Clrnc

Total 2nd string, more than Zurich. If possible rest Xhaka too

lorddulaarsenal

1x helping of Ethan and Marquinhos please

TambourineMan

Are there any academy lads we can rely on for a start here? Ideally no one who starts against Liverpool needs to start this one.

Don Pacifico

A lot of out key players weren't involved all that heavily over the international break (plus the Everton match was postponed). I'm not therefore as worried about rotation beyond wanting to ensure that our fringe players get run-outs to keep their levels up; the idea of chucking in Matt Smith for Xhaka for example doesn't feel right to me though (not to start at least). Personally, I'd go something along the lines of:

Turner
Tierney
Tomiyasu
Holding
Cedric
Lokonga
Xhaka
Vieira
Nelson
Nketiah
Marquinhos

Then if we're doing okay, give some academy lads a run-out.

Asterix

Cedric is injured Don. Nelson too maybe, or only just back so may not be able to start. No one came off particularly early v Spurs either so no clues there. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Xhaka and one of Martinelli or Saka start this one.

HomeSteak

I would love to see Cirjan get some minutes. After what happened to him, it would be great. Also, no romanian has ever played for Arsenal, whats up with that.

                 Turner

Tomiyasu-White-Holding-Tierney
Lokonga-Smith
Vieira
Nelson Marquinhos
Eddie

Don Pacifico

Asterix wrote:
Cedric is injured Don. Nelson too maybe, or only just back so may not be able to start. No one came off particularly early v Spurs either so no clues there. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Xhaka and one of Martinelli or Saka start this one.

Ah, dang. For some reason, I thought they were both fit now.

I'd still be keen to try Tomiyasu at LCB, so maybe swap Cedric for White. Given Nelson was on the bench versus Spurs, I'd hope he'd be able to start but if not, can give Martinelli some more minutes.

Doc

I'd play Gabriel in this one. He's a leader on the pitch.. and good to get the pen out of his system

HomeSteak

Cedric and Nelson are both fit

banduan

We can afford to play one of our regular CB, probably Big Gabi, and maybe Odegaard and Xhaka. The rest I'd bench.

RowJimmy

I'd be surprised to see Nelson start just returning from injury, which means one of Saka or Martinelli together with Nketiah and Marquinhos across the front. Viera, Xhaka and Sambi in MF. Tierney and Tomiyasu will play, probably Holding as well, not sure about the 4th defender.

Asterix

HomeSteak wrote:
Cedric and Nelson are both fit

Great news! I still expect Arteta to get play 3-4 regular starters. I think he will want to ensure we top our group before rotating too heavily. He will hope to be well in front after an hour to rotate then I reckon.

Qwiss

I think we'll get a first half from some first teamers. Arteta doesn't like to take things for granted.

HomeSteak

Arsenal XI vs. FK Bodø/Glimt: Turner; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel; Tierney, Lokonga, Xhaka, Fabio Vieira; Marquinhos, Nketiah, Martinelli.

Subs: Ramsdale, Hein, White, Partey, Saka, Ødegaard, Jesus, Saliba, Cedric, Nelson, Cirjan, Smith.

My boy Cirjian

MistaT

I can live with that lineup

HomeSteak

Xhaka missed 2 minutes of football this season, and was away with the national team. Martinelli missed 27.

flobaba

No room for Ethan Nwaneri in the squad?