Arsenal will look forward to bounce back against Shakhtar in the Champions league tonight. The Gunners slumped to a defeat against Bournemouth last week. However, they’ve made an impressive start to their UCL campaign.
Mikel Arteta and co. stunned Paris-Saint Germain and picked up massive three points. However, the Ukrainians have struggled to get going this season. They were embarassed by Atalanta last matchday. Pusic’s side will aim to pick up their first win in UCL this season.
The main concern for Arteta is the availability of Bukayo Saka. The youngster has been the main output for attack this season, without him the Gunners’ look blunt at the front. Timber who was one of the best players on the pitch against PSG, is also in doubt due to muscle overload.
Skipper Martin Odegaard, Tomiyasu and Tierney will remain on the sidelines due to their respective injuries. On the other hand, Shakhtar have arrived in London with a fully fit squad for this massive clash. This is a huge bonus for the travelling side.
Arsenal should be wary about young lad Georgie Sudakov. The 22-year old is breathing fire this season. He has bagged seven goals and provided two assists in just nine appearances. Danylo Sikan is also a big threat up front.
Arsenal (H) v Shakhtar Donetsk (A): Predicted lineups
Defender William Saliba will be available for this clash which is a huge plus for the Gunners’. However, the Frenchman will miss the huge clash against Liverpool in the Premier league. Bukayo Saka might be available for this game after missing out last game. Timber is also in the same boat as Saka.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Shakhtar Donetsk:
(4-3-3 formation): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Jorginho, Havertz; Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli.
Shakhtar have almost a full strength squad travelling on Tuesday. The Ukrainians could pose a threat for the Gunners’ tonight. They are known for surprising the big dogs in the Champions league. Artem Bondarenko and Sudakov will aim to breach the Gunners’ defence.
Shakhtar Donetsk predicted lineup vs Arsenal:
(3-4-2-1 formation): Riznyk; Bondar, Ghram, Matviyenko; Gomes, Kryskiv, Stepanenko, Henrique; Bondarenko, Sudakov; Sikan.
Match Predictions
Arsenal have made a decent start to this season. Their victory against PSG was a highlight of their high defensive strength. However, they’ve shot themselves at the foot in some of the games. Arteta’s side have already received three red cards already this season. They’ve picked only two points in these three games out of possible nine.
Mikel Arteta’s side are clear favorites for the day but do not expect Shakhtar to sit back and defend whole game. The Ukrainians will deploy a low block obviously but they have pace on the wings. Pusic’s side can be lethal on the break and rip apart Arsenal’s backline within seconds.
Arsenal are expected to keep more possession and dominate in the final third. With Saka possibly returning, the Gunners’ will be lethal from the right hand side of the pitch. They will aim to break down Shakhtar’s low block using the wingers.
Before the game speaking to the press, Shakhtar manager Pusic says;
“Arsenal is one of the best teams in the world right now. We see this as an incredible challenge and a chance to prove ourselves. Of course, we will make every effort to demonstrate our game pattern.”
Keeping in mind of the recent form and head-to-head record between the teams, Arsenal are predicted to win this clash 3-1. Arteta cannot afford to slip up yet again and stay in the race for the direct qualification to the quarter finals. However, no one should sleep on Shakhtar as they’re a formidable side and have the young energy in their team.
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