Arsenal Unleashes Fresh Squad Against Kairat in Meaningless Clash—Latest Injury Updates and Starting XI Predictions
Arsenal have the chance to secure their eighth consecutive victory in the Champions League as they host last-placed Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium this Wednesday evening.
The North London club has collected full points throughout the league stage and already guaranteed their spot in the round of 16. A draw or better in midweek would secure first place as they aim to conclude their campaign on a high note.
Given the important matches ahead for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will use this opportunity to rotate his squad extensively for this meaningless encounter against the Kazakhstani outfit.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Piero Hincapié returned from his injury layoff in the loss to Manchester United over the weekend, though Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz were absent from the matchday squad. Both players may be included against Kairat, but their playing time will likely be carefully monitored.
Max Dowman is the sole confirmed unavailable Arsenal academy player, while players such as Cristhian Mosquera, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard and Eberechi Eze are expected to be given starting roles.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Kairat
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Kairat
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—Kepa is expected to replace fellow Spaniard David Raya, who rarely gets a break, and shouldn't face much pressure from Kairat's modest attacking threat.
RB: Ben White—With Hincapié's return to the left-back position, White must continue serving as Jurriën Timber's backup, though he'll get the nod against Kairat as the defensive line is shuffled.
CB: Cristhian Mosquera—Mosquera returned from injury during the Inter match in Arsenal's 3–1 triumph at San Siro, showing some expected rustiness for the summer signing after spending over a month recovering.
CB: Piero Hincapié—Hincapié was substituted before the 60-minute mark against United, possibly with Wednesday's fixture in mind. Arteta will want to give both William Saliba and Gabriel some rest.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—Calafiori's impending return will reduce Lewis-Skelly's opportunities further, but the English defender is an ideal left-back choice for matches of this nature.
DM: Christian Nørgaard—With Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi likely to be rested for this inconsequential fixture, Nørgaard has the chance to make just his seventh Arsenal appearance from the start.
DM: Mikel Merino—Deployed in central midfield again instead of an advanced position, Merino provides excellent depth in the middle of the park. He'll assume Rice's dynamic midfield duties against Kairat.
RW: Noni Madueke—Madueke's three Arsenal goals have all come in Champions League action, including a notable double against Club Brugge in early December. He'll look to add to his tally against the competition's weakest team.
AM: Eberechi Eze—Despite an encouraging beginning in North London, Eze has seen limited action for Arsenal this campaign. He'll be eager to impress Arteta with a commanding performance on Wednesday.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—More than half of Martinelli's nine goals this term have been scored in European competition, and the Brazilian will be motivated to make an impact and possibly earn a Premier League starting spot.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—Questions persist about Arsenal's striker position in the coming weeks and months with Gabriel Jesus back and Kai Havertz nearing full fitness. Since Jesus started against United, Gyökeres might get his opportunity against Kairat.