“If Arteta start him today, Congratulations to Arsenal in advance then”: Man City coach Pep Guardiola names the only player Mikel Arteta must start today if they really want to beat Real Madrid
Arsenal host Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has a selection headache for multiple positions.
With Gabriel Magalhaes out with a hamstring injury, the Spaniard has to pick a new centre-back to partner William Saliba.
Jakub Kiwior was the man of the match against Everton last weekend where he impressed with his short and long-range passing.
We feel the Poland international will continue at left centre-back ahead of Ben White or Jurrien Timber.
Timber could get the nod over Ben White at right-back, given he is better with his one-on-one defending.
arsenal logo Arsenal FC
Loading official content
google-play icon
app-store icon
Meanwhile, Arsenal will make changes in midfield and the final third. Thomas Partey is poised to return in the number six role.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are expected to feature from the right wing and number 10 positions.
Mikel Merino could be the makeshift striker due to his strong aerial and physical presence in the absence of the injured Kai Havertz.
Leandro Trossard scored in the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park but we would prefer Gabriel Martinelli over him on the left wing.
Trossard and Martinelli have been guilty of missing one-on-one chances this season. The former squandered one at Everton.
However, Martinelli, described as ‘electric‘ by Arsenal.com, should get the nod with his extra pace and dribbling skills in the final third.
Trossard has been effective in unlocking tight defences, but Martinelli would be more suited to capitalise on counter-attacks versus Madrid.
Kiwior was exceptional at the weekend with four quality long balls. More of the same with Martinelli on the left could bring success for Arsenal.
Martinelli has not been at his best this campaign with just seven goals thus far, but the Gunners have never lost with him finding the net.
The Brazilian has scored 48 goals in 42 games in his career. Arsenal have secured 35 wins and seven draws in that period with no defeats.
