Surprise inclusion in the starting 11?

By Danong 

Arsenal return to action tonight as they host Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.  

Having edged the first leg 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners now have every reason to believe they can finish the job and secure their place in the final.  

Fresh from a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Leeds, Mikel Arteta had the luxury of an almost full squad to choose from, save for Mikel Merino and teenage prospect Max Dowman. Yet, in the warm-up for that game, Bukayo Saka picked up an untimely knock.  

The star boy now joins Merino and Dowman on the list of expected absentees against Chelsea. 

Fortunately for Arsenal, Noni Madueke stepped in seamlessly at Elland Road, delivering a masterclass with both an assist and a goal. 

Arteta will be hoping the winger can carry that momentum into tonight’s clash, helping his side dispatch their London rivals and book a place in the Carabao Cup final.  

Still, Madueke cannot shoulder the burden alone. Arteta would be wise to go strong with his selection, fielding a line-up such as:  

Kepa  

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Norgaard, Rice, Odegaard  

Madueke, Havertz, Martinelli  

Zubimendi can be rested as he has played a lot of games. He can come in to help shore up if needed.

With potential game-changers waiting on the bench, this Arsenal side should prove too powerful for Liam Rosenior’s side.

Even so, Arsenal will relish the chance to dispatch Chelsea at their strongest, underlining their intent to march into the final.

With everyone finally fit Arsenal ready to return to winning ways

By Danong 

Arsenal are back in action this Saturday afternoon, making the long trip to Elland Road to take on Leeds United.  

After that disappointing 3-2 defeat to Manchester United last weekend, the Gunners responded by edging Kairat Almaty 3-2 in a midweek Champions League clash. Yet the real bounce back will come if they can overcome Leeds, returning to winning ways in the Premier League after failing to secure victory in their last three league games.  

Leeds are one of those clubs Arsenal should be dispatching. Earlier in the season, the Gunners put five past them.

However, this Leeds side turned a corner in early December and are now on a run of just one defeat in ten games. They are determined to sustain that momentum and avoid slipping back into the Championship, which makes them a tricky opponent now. 

Manager Mikel Arteta and his players will therefore need to bring their A‑game if they are to dispatch The Whites, especially at Elland Road.  

Having welcomed Ricardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz back against Kairat, Arteta now has a strong squad to choose from. He has the leverage to field his best possible line‑up, which may look like:  

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard  

Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard  

If Calafiori is fit after playing the first half against Kairat on his return from injury, he surely needs to start. There is something special about the way the Italian activates this Arsenal team; as an unorthodox playmaker, he weaponises their attack.  

Equally, it is encouraging to see Gyokeres rediscover his goalscoring mojo. Scoring and assisting on Wednesday night should give him the lift he needs to return to his prolific best. In some sort of dry spell, Arsenal need him to be firing on all cylinders to propel them towards glory, just as was expected when he arrived.  

Meanwhile, Kai Havertz’s season arguably starts now. He both assisted and scored against Kairat, and hopefully that impact was a glimpse of what he can consistently deliver. The German could yet prove to be the lift the North Londoners need to quench their thirst for league success and he may well come off the bench for this game. 

Arteta may spring a surprise in his team selection vs United

 By Danong 

In arguably the biggest clash of the weekend, Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium.  

Fresh from a famous derby‑day victory over City, United are buoyed by a full week’s rest and no European commitments. They arrive as perhaps the trickiest United side Arsenal have faced in recent times.  

Yet the Gunners approach this fixture emboldened by a 12‑match unbeaten run. More telling, they are undefeated against the Red Devils in their last six meetings. This record suggests Arsenal have come to dominate this contest.  

Consequently, Arsenal should feel less pressure going into the game. The burden lies squarely on United, who, under caretaker head coach Michael Carrick, are striving to salvage what has been a shaky season.  

United are expected to be without Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee, though they should still field a competitive squad. Arsenal, meanwhile, welcome back Piero Hincapie and Ricardo Calafiori, but will probably be deprived of Kai Havertz and Max Dowman.  

With Mikel Arteta having his best options for this game, he should deploy his most formidable line‑up to outwit Carrick and extend Arsenal’s fine run, ensuring they remain unbeaten at the Emirates. At home, the Gunners have recorded 13 wins and three draws.  

Probable line‑up:  

 -Raya  

- Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

- Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard  

- Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard  

Starting Calafiori immediately may spark debate, yet if fit, he should be trusted from the outset. The unorthodox left‑back has emerged as a playmaker of sorts, holding the key to Arsenal’s success this season.  

Indeed, the last 18 matchdays have shown he is irreplaceable; not even Hincapie can replicate his influence. That is why Calafiori deserves to start straight away.  

But if he is not yet ready then either White will come in and Timber move to left back or don't be surprised if MLS starts as he had a very good game in Italy. Arteta may wish to have a player who can invert and bring the ball forward. 

This game is also a stage for Viktor Gyökeres to rise to the occasion and demonstrate to United what they missed by failing to sign a genuine No.9.  

Carrick may attempt to catch Arsenal off guard with tactical surprises, but if the Gunners impose their game, they should have enough to secure a famous win this weekend.

The Arsenal XI ready to shock Inter

By Danong 

Champions League football returns, and Arsenal are back in the thick of it as they travel to Milan to face Inter at the iconic San Siro.  

The Gunners will be determined to sustain their brilliance in Europe’s premier competition. Having played six matches, they boast a flawless record of six wins, conceding just one goal.  

Ahead of this clash with Inter, Arsenal have already toppled giants such as Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. With those scalps under their belt, the boys in red and white should have all the motivation required to get the job done.  

Even so, some voices have urged Mikel Arteta to rest key players, mindful of the looming clash with Manchester United. Yet it seems unlikely the Spaniard will sacrifice momentum in this fixture. Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined through injury, but Arsenal still travel with a strong squad.  

Indeed, Arteta is expected to go full strength, and Gooners should not be surprised if he fields this line-up:

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly  

Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard  

Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard  

That selection arguably represents Arsenal at their most formidable.  

History between the sides suggests a finely balanced contest: in their last four meetings, Arsenal have won twice and lost twice. Inter arrive unbeaten in eight games, while Arsenal are undefeated in eleven. All signs point to a mouth-watering clash.  

Ultimately, the Gunners will hope to leave the San Siro with all three points, further cementing their place at the summit of the Champions League table  and cementing their progress in the next round.

Arteta to outwit Rosenior with this refreshed Arsenal line‑up

 By Danong

Tonight, Arsenal are back in action as they make the short trip across West London to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.  

Fresh from dismantling Portsmouth on their own turf with a commanding 4-1 victory in the FA Cup third round, the Gunners will be eager to carry that ruthless goalscoring touch into this clash.  

Chelsea, meanwhile, arrive with the energy of a new-manager bounce. Liam Rosenior kicked off his tenure in emphatic fashion on Saturday, overseeing a thumping 5-1 win over Charlton.  

As fired up as both sides are heading into this fixture, the outcome will ultimately be decided on the pitch. And with Arsenal’s boss Mikel Arteta determined to end the club’s trophy drought, he has little excuse but to field a strong side tonight.  

It looks like Piero Hincapié and Ricardo Calafiori will be out. Saliba and Trossard are also doubtful. Having rested most of his other key stars in the FA Cup triumph, he should be able to field a competitive line-up:  

Raya  
Timber, Nørgaard, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly  
Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard  
Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Nørgaard showed that when he played as a central defender he put in a quite adequate performance.

On the other hand MLS looked rusty and devoid of confidence in his last two appearances. He will have to raise his game if Arsenal are to get a result tonight to take back to the Emirates.

Chelsea, for their part, will be boosted by the return of Marc Cucurella from suspension, though they may still be without Reece James and Cole Palmer.  

With Arsenal unbeaten in their last nine meetings against Chelsea, this tie could be monumental. Victory would mark a tenth consecutive game without defeat against their London rivals, further cementing the Gunners’ dominance as the undisputed Kings of London.

Arsenal set to humble Liverpool at the Emirates with this superb line-up

By Danong 

Arsenal, buoyed by five wins on the bounce, will be eager to extend their sparkling festive run in the Premier League when they welcome Liverpool to the Emirates on Thursday night.  

Beyond the sheer desire to sustain their momentum, the Gunners carry an added incentive into this clash.

It was Liverpool who first punctured Arsenal’s earlier in the season, one of only two sides to do so, the other being Aston Villa.

That memory alone ensures Arsenal approach this fixture with fire in their veins.  

Gabriel Magalhaes’ return has proved a timely boost, not only reinforcing the defence but also rekindling his instinct for decisive goals. 

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus has seized his opportunities with flashes of brilliance that underline his attacking threat.

As for Kai Havertz, he could well come into contention against Liverpool, thereby injecting yet another dimension into Arteta’s tactical options.

With that said, here is how Mikel Arteta might line up to outmanoeuvre Arne Slot’s Liverpool (who are unbeaten in seven):  

Predicted XI  

Raya

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié

Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard 

Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard  

From the bench, Arteta could introduce Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, and perhaps Jesus, arguably the strongest "finishers" Arsenal can summon on the night.  

In a boost to Arsenal, Liverpool’s striking options, however, appear far less certain. Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt, while Alexander Isak is already sidelined.  

Arsenal’s form, their desire for vengeance, and Liverpool’s attacking absences, with Salah also unavailable, may well tilt the balance in the Gunners’ favour, leaving them well poised to seize a statement victory over the reigning champions.

Are Manchester City bottling it?

 By 1970s Gooner 

Man City have dropped 4 points in their last two games. Have they got the jitters?

Against Sunderland they couldn’t score against a very determined opponent. But in the same fixture Arsenal went one better. They were leading 2 1 and were pegged back with virtually the last kick of the game.

Tonight City were leading 1 0 but they allowed Chelsea to create chances and finally equalise in the last minute.

Now if it was Arsenal doing this then we would be called bottlers.

Are Man City bottling it?

Nerveless Arsenal strengthened by Timber, Gabriel and possibly Calafiori can beat the stuffing out of Villa

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

For the final time in 2025, Arsenal take to the field as they welcome Aston Villa to the Emirates on Tuesday night.  

When the two sides last met in early December, the Gunners were left frustrated, conceding a last‑minute strike that condemned them to a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park.  

However, as determined as Arsenal have been, they bounced back swiftly from that defeat, stringing together victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, and Brighton & Hove Albion.

This clash, therefore, offers them the perfect chance to prove that defeat was nothing more than a fluke.  

With Gabriel Magalhães back in contention and Martin Odegaard rediscovering his scoring touch, the North Londoners head into this fixture highly motivated, determined to put an end to Villa’s remarkable 11‑match winning run.  

Arteta will also have to be ready to counteract Emery’s emerging tactic. That of allowing the ball to the opponent, tiring them out and then unleashing his fresh players inclusive of Watkins in the second half as he has done against Chelsea and to us in their home game.

Timber, who was rested as a precaution in the 2-1 win over Brighton, is likely to return. If fit, his quality makes him an automatic starter.  And his presence releases Rice to play in his natural position in midfield.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhaes, having made a cameo against the Seagulls, could be handed his first start since injury.

His rock‑solid partnership with William Saliba has been sorely missed, with Arsenal struggling to keep clean sheets in his absence.  

It goes without saying that if Calafiori is fit he will start in place of Hincapie.

With the backline reinforced and the rest of the team firing, Arsenal should approach this contest with intent and aggression.  

Raya  
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie
Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard  
Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard  

And play free flowing football without nerves please...

Gabriel with the Arsenal squad this morning

 By 1970s Gooner 

Gabriel has been spotted with the Arsenal squad this Saturday morning when the players left their hotel for their pre match walk.

Speaking ahead of the Brighton game, Arteta said on Gabriel:

“He hasn't trained yet, so he’s still doing his rehab. But hopefully as quickly as possible he can be back because we know the situation now we have in the backline.”

Piero Hincapie was also seen with the Arsenal squad. 

Arsenal’s revamped line-up ready to shock Brighton after midweek rotation

By Danong 

After dispatching Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final midweek, Arsenal now look ahead to a London derby semi-final against Chelsea.

Yet before that showdown arrives, the Gunners must swiftly redirect their focus back to the Premier League.

The Gunners welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the Emirates Stadium in a fixture they simply must win if they are to maintain their grip on top spot in the league table.  

Heading into this clash, Arsenal sit on 39 points, two clear of Manchester City. Yet if City overcome Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s early kick-off, they will temporarily leapfrog the Gunners, who play later in the day.

That scenario could well galvanise Arsenal to come out firing, particularly after enduring a tricky spell in which they have scraped through with narrow wins in recent weeks.

Wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers and then Everton have lacked conviction. Consequently, Saturday evening will see Gooners craving a statement win, and for that, Arteta is expected to go strong with his selection.  

On Tuesday night, the Spaniard rested the bulk of his key players. Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice were introduced from the bench, while Viktor Gyokeres, David Raya, and Martín Zubimendi remained unused substitutes. Piero Hincapie, deputising for Gabriel Magalhaes in recent matches, was also given the night off and did not feature in the squad.  

Even with absentees such as Ben White, Kai Havertz, Cristhian Mosquera, and Gabriel, Arteta can still field a formidable side against Brighton. His likely line-up may be:  

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard  

Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard  

That XI is arguably the strongest Arsenal can put out today. It is a line-up designed to outwit Brighton and heap further pressure on Fabian Hurzelar's men, who arrive winless in their last four league outings.