Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is facing a daunting task of selecting his team for the upcoming Premier League match against Manchester City. With key players like Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard unavailable, Arteta will have to carefully choose his midfield options for the game at Etihad Stadium.
In recent matches, Arteta has experimented with different midfield combinations. Declan Rice’s absence due to suspension led to Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and Thomas Partey starting in midfield. However, for the Champions League game against Atalanta, Rice returned to the starting lineup along with Gabriel Jesus.
While goalkeeper David Raya impressed with a double save, Partey’s performance was a bit concerning as he gave away a penalty and struggled against Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Arteta must now find a way to compensate for Odegaard’s absence and improve the midfield dynamics.
One potential solution could involve using Raheem Sterling in a central midfield role. Although Sterling is typically deployed on the wing, his ability to dribble past opponents could be valuable in winning back possession against Manchester City.
Arteta may also consider deploying Havertz or Trossard in a central role if he decides to leave Partey out of the starting XI. Additionally, Gabriel Martinelli’s place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed, with Trossard as a possible replacement.
To stretch the pitch, Arteta could reintroduce Riccardo Calafiori as a left-back, allowing Jurrien Timber to switch flanks. This tactical adjustment may leave Ben White on the bench, but it could be necessary to counter City’s strengths.
Despite the need for strategic changes, Arteta is known for sticking to his preferred starting lineup. Therefore, major alterations are unlikely, especially given the importance of the upcoming game against Manchester City.
In conclusion, Arteta faces a challenging task in selecting his team for the clash against Manchester City. The absence of key players and the need to improve the midfield dynamics present complex decisions for the Arsenal manager. By carefully considering his options and potentially introducing tactical adjustments, Arteta aims to secure a positive result against a tough opponent like Manchester City.
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