Arsenal predicted line up vs PSV as Gabriel Jesus and Aaron Ramsdale start, Kai Havertz returns
Arsenal make their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night. The start to the season has been strong and the Gunners remain unbeaten with four wins and a draw after five games.
Arsenal have not been given the easiest of starts with arguably their toughest test in the group in the form of PSV with the Dutch giants the only team so far in the Gunners’ group that aren’t looking like a relegation candidate in their respective league unlike Sevilla and RC Lens.
With that in mind, Mikel Arteta may be inclined not to make too many changes to the team that beat Everton, although the North London Derby on the horizon could make him consider resting some players, especially in the wake of Gabriel Martinelli’s injury at Goodison Park.
Goalkeeper – Aaron Ramsdale.
Right-back – Ben White
Ben White had a subtly brilliant game at Everton at the weekend and Mikel Arteta might want to continue the consistent selection of his back four. The depth at right-back in the wake of Jurrien Timber’s injury isn’t the best and certainly this is no game for Cedric Soares so the England international remains.
Centre-half – William Saliba
Although I’d be reluctant to throw William Saliba into any midweek game after the season-ending injury against Sporting CP last season, the Frenchman has been trusted by Mikel Arteta to play many matches in quick succession.
The expectation is for him to start once again but this game will perhaps enlighten us to what rotation we might see going forwards. Against Luuk de Jong, the Gunners will need him.
Centre-half – Gabriel Magalhaes
Just like Saliba’s need in the air against the Dutch striker, Gabriel Magalhaes is sure to be valuable here as well. Prior to the start of the season it seemed the Brazilian would never be dropped but that changed with Thomas Partey’s role at right-back.
Gabriel has impressed in the last two games he has started. To drop him in any game going forward comes with its own risks – ones that need not be taken on Wednesday.
Left-back – Takehiro Tomiyasu
With Oleksandr Zinchenko suffering a frequent number of issues, the chance to rotate the Ukrainian might be taken here. Takehiro Tomiyasu is the obvious choice and a comfortable one, especially after the Japan international’s fantastic showing against Germany.
