[4-3-3]: Academy striker promoted and Nwaneri’s position changed- Arsenal predicted lineup against Leicester City as Mikel Arteta promotes an aggressive academy striker following Kai Havertz’s injury
I cannot wait for the team selection draw Mikel Arteta will be conducting on Saturday.
“And playing striker is…. Jakub Kiwior! Foogin ‘el, man.”
All we can do is laugh in the face of our current injury woes in attack. Well, after we’ve slandered anyone and everyone involved in what’s proving to be back-to-back shambolic transfer windows.
The Gunners are down to their bare bones in attack, but the defensive and midfield core remain strong. There’s more than enough at Arteta’s disposal to win at lowly Leicester.
Here’s the team the Spaniard could pick at the King Power.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Leicester
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya (GK) – Every day we’re thankful that Raya is yet to succumb to Arsenal’s injury bug. One game of Neto was enough.
Jurrien Timber (RB) – Ben White could be back in the matchday squad this weekend having recovered from knee surgery, but it’d be a surprise to see him start. However, Timber should get some respite.
William Saliba (CB) – Saliba’s emergence has been key to Arsenal shunning familiar foe Jamie Vardy in recent outings. The veteran sh*thouse hasn’t scored on his five previous appearances against the Gunners.
Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel has also played a role in Vardy’s recent drought, and we could really do with the towering defender leaping highest from a few set pieces over the coming weeks.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) – Arteta has a surplus at left-back, but Lewis-Skelly has done little to lose his place. He was Arsenal’s best player in their 2-0 defeat at St. James’ Park.
Midfielders
Thomas Partey (DM) – I don’t think Arteta will be doing anything drastic in midfield, with Partey likely to retain his place despite his struggles on Tyneside.
Declan Rice (CM) – With Arsenal’s heavy hitters absent up top, I’m looking at Rice to step up in the final third. It’s mental that it’s come to this.
Martin Odegaard (CM) – Come on, skipper, grab this team by the scruff of the neck. The Gunners need ya.
Forwards
Ethan Nwaneri (RW) – A 17-year-old has suddenly become stupidly important at work. Remember back in the autumn when we were all clamouring for more Nwaneri minutes? Well, he’s going to get plenty over the next month. Enjoy!
Leandro Trossard (ST) – No Gabriel Jesus. No Kai Havertz. Eddie Nketiah’s not even here to save the day! Where does Mikel turn? Trossard has to be the primary option to lead the line.
Raheem Sterling (LW) – Sterling’s loan has been close to pointless thus far, but we’ll all be emailing apologies if he comes up with the goods over the coming weeks.
