Would bring Kiwior off the bench. He hasn’t played, so big risk to deploy him
Claudius Got to play him at some point though. No domestic cup games to give him a chilled run-out.
Really hoping Eddie is fit for this one as fielding both ESR and Nelson from the start feels like a risk. I'm also not sure how much rotation we'll see generally - the lineup we field will be a big indication of where we're now placing Europa in importance. My sense is that Arteta will go for a pretty strong lineup with some sensible rotation (eg. Jorginho in for Partey but a max of two changes to our back four) with the hope of getting a good result in the first leg so that we don't have too much pressure on the second leg. I'd go for:
Turner Tomiyasu - Saliba - Kiwior - Tierney Jorginho Odegaard - Xhaka Saka - Martinelli (or Nketiah if fit) - Nelson
Doubt we will see Kiwior as this is an away match. We will probably see something like this.
Turner Tomi Holding Gabriel Tierney Jorginho Xhaka Vieira Nelson Nketiah Martinelli
I don't think ESR is that match fit yet, Eddie and Trossard injured so probably something like this. Not even sure if Jorginho will be fit
Clrnc Turner Tomi Holding Gabriel Tierney Jorginho Xhaka Vieira Nelson Nketiah Martinelli I don't think ESR is that match fit yet, Eddie and Trossard injured so probably something like this. Not even sure if Jorginho will be fit
Clrnc Turner Tomi Holding Gabriel Tierney Jorginho Xhaka Vieira Nelson Nketiah Martinelli
Who's this other Eddie that's injured if Nketiah is starting @Clrnc ?
Jorginho is fit. Before the Bournemouth match, Arteta had said he recovered.
In terms of rotation - I think Turner, Tomi, Holding, Tierney, Jorginho, Vieira, and one of ESR/Reiss will definitely start. Any other changes will be a bonus.
I think Arteta will play one of Saka or Odegaard. He rarely leaves the attack with one of them (or Jesus when fit)
Fucking hell @goon I thought we'd agree that all matchday threads are @Pepe LeFrits's responsibility. Luckily this is just the EL and not a League game.
Big Willie we've lost the last two I started, both against City. Need to test the waters and get back to winning ways before the game at the Etihad.
Rest everyone. It would be nice to win this shit cup but at the end of the day it's still a shit cup.
I am Arsenal Till I Die ------------Turner------------- Tomi---Holding---Kiwior---Tierney ----------------Jorgi---------------- ---------Vieira---------Xhaka------- Reiss--------Eddie/Leo--------ESR-----
I am Arsenal Till I Die ------------Turner-------------
Tomi---Holding---Kiwior---Tierney
----------------Jorgi----------------
---------Vieira---------Xhaka-------
Reiss--------Eddie/Leo--------ESR-----
We probably won't see this many backups, but I'd go with this one.
QuincyAbeyie I'd like to see this too, but I reckon it'd lead to Arteta bringing plenty of subs off the bench. That too is fine, of course. We have five subs in every comp this season.
What are people's thoughts on travelling versus playing in the Europa? I reckon the logistical hassle of a Thursday night tie in Portugal might be up there with the difficulty of actually playing the 70–90 minutes.
Doubt it will do many of our first teamers harm to be wheeled out as subs, anyway. To me the issue seems more that they will all travel.
The Trossard and Nketiah injuries are unfortunate, because this would be a good time to rest Saka. Martinelli can play because he will rest during international break.
Just read Manuel Ugarte is suspended for Sporting, which is a shame. Was hoping to see him play as he is on the summer window Partey back-up watchlist for me personally.
kiwior was grousing a bit in the press about his minutes. I'd like to see him start in this game
Bit ridiculous, wonder which match he thinks he should've played in already?
Tierney not training today apparently. Maybe Zinchenko will have to play..
What happened to Tierney?
I am Arsenal Till I Die not sure.
FFS, the one match he was going to start.
