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Arsenal predicted line-up against FC Zurich

By Ritayan Chatterjee on November 3, 2022

Arsenal will welcome FC Zurich at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League’s final group fixture this evening.

The Gunners are currently sitting at the top of their group with 12 points from five games and they’ll need to match PSV Eindhoven’s result – who take on Bodo/Glimt at the same time tonight – to secure their place at the summit of Group A.

Mikel Arteta’s side had the opportunity to seal top spot in the last week’s game versus Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side by avoiding defeat, however, they endured a disappointing 2-0 loss.

Arsenal came away victorious against Zurich in the opening group game and they will be keen on replicating that result once again, however, the visitors are currently in a good form coming into this encounter, having won back-to-back games in all competitions.

Expected Arsenal line-up against FC Zurich

Bukayo Saka picked up a knock in the previous encounter against Nottingham Forest and was taken off before half-time, however, it was a minor issue and he has returned to training ahead of tonight’s game. He is unlikely to be risked tonight as Arsenal will want to save him for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea.

Meanwhile, long-term injury absentee Mohamed Elneny has returned to training ahead of schedule, which will be a big boost for the Gunners, however, he is not in contention to be involved tonight. Oleksandr Zinchenko has also returned to training after recovering from a calf issue. But, Matt Turner – who sustained a groin problem last week – will be sidelined in this fixture, along with Emile Smith Rowe – due to his long-term injury issue – and Granit Xhaka who is suspended for this game.

Therefore, Aaron Ramsdale will keep his place between the sticks and in front of the Englishman, the back four should be Takehiro Tomiyasu, Rob Holding, Gabriel Magalhães and Kieran Tierney, giving a breather to William Saliba and Ben White ahead of Arsenal’s crunch clash against the Blues in the Premier League.

Albert Sambi Lokonga is expected to be recalled as the deep-lying playmaker, while Martin Odegaard and Fabio Vieira could be deployed as the two more advanced midfield in the 4-3-3 system, providing a midweek rest to Thomas Partey.

Gabriel Martinelli should keep hold of his place on the left flank for Arsenal, while Reiss Nelson could start on the opposite side following a man-of-the-match performance versus Nottingham Forest last weekend. Eddie Nketiah would be summoned to lead the line for Arsenal and Gabriel Jesus might find himself on the bench. Marquinihos may return to the bench following illness.