Arteta Unleashes Merino in Bold Attacking Gamble Against Slavia Prague
There's a worrying sense of inevitability about this Arsenal squad for the remainder of the Premier League campaign and potentially across Europe as well.
A rock-solid defensive unit is being enhanced by greater clinical finishing in attack, with the Gunners now producing the crucial moments needed to secure victories in matches they stumbled in during the previous campaign.
Their impressive streak extended with a 2–0 victory against Burnley over the weekend, which means Nick Woltemade's strike at the close of September stands as the latest goal this resilient side has allowed.
A packed fixture list has yet to overwhelm Mikel Arteta's players, though the Spanish manager might be managing a few additional unavailable players for the midweek encounter. Here's the Arsenal starting eleven that may take the field against Slavia Prague in Tuesday evening's Champions League fixture.
Arsenal Predicted Starting XI vs. Slavia Prague (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—It was another comfortable outing for Raya over the weekend, and he'll be hoping a potentially rotated defence provides similar security in the Czech Republic's capital.
RB: Jurriën Timber—Arteta might shuffle his solid defensive line on Tuesday evening, though Timber has been utilized consistently, and the Dutch defender is expected to maintain his position.
CB: William Saliba—The French centre-back might not require the full 90 minutes in this fixture. The Arsenal manager will be hoping his team establishes a commanding enough lead to give Saliba some rest in the latter stages.
CB: Piero Hincapié—The summer deadline signing has regained full match fitness, and it appears he'll adapt seamlessly if his performance against Brighton & Hove Albion serves as any indication. The Ecuadorian defender could provide Gabriel with a midweek rest.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—Lewis-Skelly impressed during Matchday 3 against Atlético Madrid, and the promising English youngster might return to the lineup in Prague. Riccardo Calafiori continues to feature heavily in Premier League matches.
CM: Christian Nørgaard—Martín Zubimendi is unavailable due to accumulated bookings, so Nørgaard appears poised to earn his inaugural Champions League start.
CM: Declan Rice—The England midfielder played a crucial role in Saturday's triumph at Turf Moor, and he should maintain his spot in the middle of the park on Tuesday.
CM: Eberechi Eze—Arsenal are confronting a Slavia team boasting a solid defensive reputation, and Eze will be tasked with breaking down the organized structure the Gunners are likely to face.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Max Dowman dazzled at the Emirates recently, but the young talent will need to be patient for his maiden start in this tournament. Saka will be selected on the right flank.
ST: Mikel Merino—Viktor Gyökeres's fitness concern probably isn't severe, but the compressed schedule suggests the Swedish striker might be held back as a precaution. Should that prove accurate, Merino, who operated successfully as Arsenal's makeshift forward last term, will lead the attack.
LW: Leandro Trossard—The Belgian winger is a certain starter if Gabriel Martinelli remains sidelined, unless Arteta chooses to position Eze on the left wing.
