How Arteta's clever tweaks could outwit Hurzelar's Brighton

 By Danong 

After the 2-1 London derby victory over Chelsea, every Arsenal fan was left thinking the same thing: nine games to go, and we are champions.

Now, after today's clash with Brighton at the American Express Stadium, a win would bring that dream even closer; just eight games away from being crowned English champions.

Arsenal go to this clash against the Seagulls brimming with confidence. Unbeaten in nine games across all competitions, seven wins and two draws, many simply cannot fathom that Brighton, who have failed to beat them in five successive meetings, will have what it takes to stop them this time around.

The last time the two sides squared off, Arsenal edged it 2-1, with Georginio Rutter's unfortunate own goal handing the North Londoners all three points. This time, however, Arsenal will not be looking for any such favours; they will be out to win fair and square.

With a near-full squad at his disposal, save for the injured Mikel Merino and a doubt hanging over Ben White, Arteta can afford to go ruthless with his selection. 

Martin Zubimendi has not been at his best of late. The Spaniard has struggled particularly with ball progression, repeatedly going missing in games despite being the player tasked with linking defence and attack.

Fatigue may well be a factor, and a spell on the bench could be exactly what he needs to rediscover his mojo. In his place, the experienced Christian Norgaard could step in and breathe new life into Arteta's engine room.

Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard did not have the best of evenings in the win over Chelsea. At one point, he appeared more influential than Gabriel Martinelli, yet perhaps now is the right moment to hand the Samba Star his opportunity, a chance to fire this Arsenal side towards league glory.

Beyond those two changes, this Arsenal line-up looks more than capable of taking Brighton apart. And one player worth keeping a close eye on is Timber. The Dutchman has been in scintillating form, directly contributing to goals in each of the last two matches with both a strike and an assist to his name.

Raya

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie

Norgaard, Rice, Odegaard

Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

The dilemma of choosing between Eze and Odegaard is a dilemma of which strategy to follow against Chelsea

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

It is another London derby day, with the capital's heavyweights Arsenal and Chelsea renewing their rivalry at the Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea are fighting for a top-five slot, embroiled in a tough battle with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United. Arsenal, meanwhile, are desperate not to drop any more points at the summit, with Manchester City breathing down their neck.

That said, the Gunners remain unbeaten in 11 games across all competitions in this fixture and Chelsea have not beaten us since August 2021. 

Since taking over not so long ago, Rosenior has given this Chelsea side a genuine new lease of life. They look rejuvenated and have gone unbeaten in their last six league outings. 

Even so, for all their recent resilience in the league, they have already fallen to Arsenal twice this calendar year, the Gunners knocking them out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals after beating them home and away.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping to make it three from three against Rosenior, though to do so, the Spanish tactician must manage without some key personnel.

Injured Mikel Merino is of course out of this one whilst Kai Havertz and Max Dowman, who are back from injury, could yet feature, but neither is likely to be risked.

Even so, Arteta can still assemble a formidable line-up, and could well field this team:

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

The inclusion of Eze will point towards a more aggressive and full of tempo start for Arsenal in the game as it transpired at Tottenham last time out.

Odegaard will likely come on later in the game to instil more control.

Chelsea, for their part, go to north London without several key figures of their own; Wesley Fofana, Estevao and Marc Cucurella are all absent, and will certainly need a strong performance and a measure of fortune to contain this Arsenal side.

All that said, Viktor Gyokeres is undoubtedly the player to watch. In the kind of form he is currently in (a brace against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend) taking him to five goals since the end of January, Chelsea's defenders face a stern examination at the Emirates.

Arsenal must overcome the difficulty that a Rob Edwards side poses

By Danong 

Arsenal return to action tonight as they travel to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.  

The Wanderers are winless in their last six outings.  

Fresh from a 1‑1 draw with Brentford, Arsenal will be intent on seizing all three points. They cannot afford to loosen their grip on the title race, so expect them to go early for the kill in this fixture.  

Even so, the Gunners must cope without Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard who are sidelined through injury.  

There is, however, a significant boost: Ricardo Calafiori and Ben White are fit again and available for selection.  

With just one defeat in their last 11 Premier League matches (seven wins and three draws), the North Londoners are in formidable form.  

It is true however that Arsenal have struggled every time they faced a Rob Edwards side, remember that 4-3 away win at Luton and that game at the Emirates where we needed two own goals to get the better of them?

Arteta, keen to get the better again of a Rob Edwards’ side, could turn to this line‑up:  

Raya

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie 

Zubimendi, Rice, Eze

Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard 

The headline talking point is Noni Madueke starting ahead of Bukayo Saka. 

While Saka, fresh from signing a new deal, would have been a popular choice, Madueke is in goal scoring form and Arteta may fancy him to shine again, while keeping Saka fresh for the looming North London derby.  

Arsenal have won nine straight against Wolves, and tonight they will aim to make it ten. A win would see them seven points clear of second-place Manchester City, though having played one more game, a cushion that should instil confidence as the Premier League run‑in sets in. 

The alternative line up to win at Brentford if the returning players do not make it

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal return to action with a short trip across London to the G-Tech Community Stadium, where they face Brentford.  

Having watched Manchester City ruthlessly dispatch Fulham 3-0 on Wednesday night, the Gunners head into this clash highly motivated to secure all three points. 

For Mikel Arteta and his side, nothing less than victory will do as they look to re-establish their six-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table.  

History favours Arsenal in this fixture. In the last five meetings, the league leaders have claimed four wins and drawn the other, a record they will be eager to extend with another convincing performance tonight.  

However, Arteta must do so without some of his key players. Mikel Merino remains sidelined, Kai Havertz is out with a muscular issue. 

In addition Leandro Trossard is nursing a cramp and Bukayo Saka remains a doubt. The possible return of Martin Ødegaard, though, may offer a significant boost.

However if the above players are only ready to be on the bench then I will expect Arteta to still field a formidable line-up and he could do it if he goes with:  

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Eze

Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli  

On paper, this XI should have enough to deal with the Bees, who have been quietly impressive under Keith Andrews.  

However if the returning players are ready to start then the starting line up will be fantastic:

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard 

Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard 

Seventh in the table, Brentford have defied expectations. Many anticipated they would struggle following the departures of manager Thomas Frank and key players Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.

Yet, Andrews, once the club’s set-piece coach, has inspired a resurgence. With Igor Thiago leading the line, Brentford have rediscovered their bite, recently stunning fellow title contenders Aston Villa.  

That result serves as a timely warning: Arsenal must bring their A-game to avoid any slip-ups that could embolden City in the title race.

Ruthlessness is what counts in a title race. The line up to achieve it.

By Danong 

After punching their way into the Carabao Cup final, set for 22nd March against Manchester City, by beating Chelsea home and away in the two‑legged semi‑finals, Arsenal are back in action this afternoon.  

The Gunners host Premier League newcomers who have stunned many by refusing to be the league’s punching bag. Instead, they’ve been punching way above their weight, establishing themselves as one of the most formidable sides this season.  

The Black Cats’ performances under Regis Le Bris have been nothing short of impressive, losing only six times with nine wins and nine draws.

Recent history favours the North Londoners. In the last five meetings, Arsenal have remained unbeaten, winning three and drawing two. Yet their most recent clash, a 2‑2 draw at the Stadium of Light, showed Sunderland’s mettle and their ability to push Arsenal to the limit.  

Nevertheless, with eyes firmly on the prize, these are the fixtures Mikel Arteta’s men must win.Ruthlessness, not resilience, is what counts in the title race.  

Arteta should go all out with a strong line‑up:  

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard  

Saka, Havertz, Trossard  

If Timber and Saka need a rest or are not ready which may be likely, then no problem, White and Madueke will come in seamlessly! 

Also, if as seems possible Odegaard may not start, then Arteta may well go with Eze again as we may need as much creativeness and ingenuity to break down a likely low block.

Raya  

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Eze

Madueke, Havertz, Trossard  

The biggest talking point is Havertz leading the line. It would be a ruthless call to drop Viktor Gyokeres, but the German deserves his chance.

Gabriel Jesus and Gyokeres have both had opportunities to spearhead the attack, but neither has truly hit top form. Havertz, with his versatility and composure, could yet prove Arsenal’s secret weapon in the title race.  

A victory today would temporarily send Arsenal nine points clear of Manchester City. With City facing Liverpool on Sunday evening, a Reds win could hand Arteta’s side a crucial advantage.  

For Arsenal, the message is simple: 

No slip‑ups, no excuses, just three points and momentum towards the crown.

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.