By Danong
Tonight, Arsenal and Real Madrid meet at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie.
While this fixture is undoubtedly challenging, Arsenal must find a way to secure victory or at keast keep the tie level for the return leg. As things stand, their chances of European glory are far brighter than their prospects in the league.
The Gunners will need to deliver their absolute best performance, and for most Gooners, the ideal line-up without Gabriel Magalhães seemed evident provided Jurrien Timber and Ben White were fit.
Prior to Jakub Kiwior’s standout performance on Saturday, many fans had already settled on this line-up for the highly-anticipated clash with Real Madrid:
Raya
Timber, Saliba, White, Lewis-Skelly
Rice, Partey, Ødegaard
Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Some have shown a preference for Trossard to start instead of Merino having scored against Everton last Saturday. But Arteta will likely keep Merino in the line-up.
Understandably however, Arsenal’s backline is the focus of every discussion. When asked about replacing Gabriel during Monday’s media briefing, Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped, simply stating: “Yes, we’ve decided.”
A backline consisting of Timber, Saliba, White and Lewis-Skelly might hold up well against Real Madrid. But White has only recently came back from a long absence due to surgery and his appearances may need to be managed.
On the other hand Kiwior was rock-solid alongside William Saliba last weekend. His incisive forward passes behind the Everton defense were particularly noteworthy. With stats like these:
- Passing Accuracy: 58/62 (92%)
- Long Balls: 4
- Clearances: 3
Kiwior was arguably deserving of a Man of the Match accolade.
In my opinion, Kiwior should start ahead of White at center-back. Even if the chance is taken and White plays as the right-sided centre back, it forces Saliba—our best defender—to play out of position.
On top of that, Arsenal are already fielding a player out of position in attack (likely Mikel Merino). Let’s not disrupt the balance further.
Sure, not everyone fancies Kiwior against Mbappé, but this is a team game. If the rest of the squad steps up, they can cover any vulnerabilities.
No one is giving us a chance (except the Opta computer) and we are at our best when our backs are up against the wall.
The Emirates awaits an electrifying encounter and make no mistake the Gunners will rise to the occasion.
Understandably however, Arsenal’s backline is the focus of every discussion. When asked about replacing Gabriel during Monday’s media briefing, Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped, simply stating: “Yes, we’ve decided.”
A backline consisting of Timber, Saliba, White and Lewis-Skelly might hold up well against Real Madrid. But White has only recently came back from a long absence due to surgery and his appearances may need to be managed.
On the other hand Kiwior was rock-solid alongside William Saliba last weekend. His incisive forward passes behind the Everton defense were particularly noteworthy. With stats like these:
- Passing Accuracy: 58/62 (92%)
- Long Balls: 4
- Clearances: 3
Kiwior was arguably deserving of a Man of the Match accolade.
In my opinion, Kiwior should start ahead of White at center-back. Even if the chance is taken and White plays as the right-sided centre back, it forces Saliba—our best defender—to play out of position.
On top of that, Arsenal are already fielding a player out of position in attack (likely Mikel Merino). Let’s not disrupt the balance further.
Sure, not everyone fancies Kiwior against Mbappé, but this is a team game. If the rest of the squad steps up, they can cover any vulnerabilities.
No one is giving us a chance (except the Opta computer) and we are at our best when our backs are up against the wall.
The Emirates awaits an electrifying encounter and make no mistake the Gunners will rise to the occasion.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment