Arsenal aim to lay St Mary's ghosts to rest with this patched-up line-up

 By Danong 

Arsenal return to action with a quarter-final FA Cup clash against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.  

St Mary’s has long proved a difficult ground for the Gunners. In their last five visits, they have managed just one victory, a frustrating record given that, on paper, this is a fixture where Arsenal should be odds-on favourites.  

Even so, while Arsenal are expected to prevail tonight, they will need to bring their A-game.  

Southampton arrive unbeaten in 14 matches, enjoying their best run of form in recent memory, and they will be ready to put up a fight. Arsenal, therefore, must be prepared for everything thrown their way.  

Fingers crossed, most of our key players are fit, especially after several withdrew from international duty with injury concerns.  

From Mikel Arteta’s Friday press conference:  

- Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard are in contention. 

- Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie are ruled out with no timeline for return.

- Noni Madueke is sidelined, though expected back within days.  

Ideally, Arteta should field this line-up:  

Kepa  

Ben White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis Skelly  

Norgaard, Havertz, Odegaard 

Dowman, Gyokeres, Martinelli  

Despite injuries forcing notable absences, Arsenal should still have enough to dispatch Southampton on Saturday night and book their place in the semi-finals, one step closer to clinching a record 15th FA Cup trophy.  

Losing the Carabao Cup to Manchester City before the break may have ended hopes of a quadruple, but the treble dream remains alive. Victory here would edge Arsenal closer to that ambition.  

Securing the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League would be a fitting and deserved way for Arsenal to crown this season. 

This Arsenal player set to play pivotal role in the League Cup final

By Danong 

Tonight, Arsenal could be one step closer to making this a historic season. All they have to do is beat Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, adding the League Cup to the trophy cabinet as they also look to capture the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. Lifting the famous quadruple however unlikely that may prove to be. 

For the Gunners, games against City are rarely straightforward, yet they have not lost this fixture since 2023, going unbeaten in six games across all competitions.

Of those six, however, Arsenal have managed just two consecutive wins.

Tonight, they ought to make it three.

Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino were all expected to miss out through injury. Yet when pressed on whether captain Odegaard and Timber could return this weekend, Arteta replied: "Yeah, we have another session, let's see."

Fingers crossed the two are available as Arsenal need to be at their strongest to dismantle the Cityzens.

All that said, here is how Arsenal are likely to line up:

Kepa

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie

Zubimendi, Rice, Eze

Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

If it all clicks, this side should have everything needed to take City apart.

A City side that has kept just one clean sheet in their last eight away fixtures, and that is not the half of it. They have also conceded six first-half goals across their last four games.

Eberechi Eze is a player well worth watching in this fixture. He scored for Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final last year and, over his last nine games, has racked up six goal contributions: four goals and two assists. 

Tonight, he could yet prove to be Arsenal's decisive player.

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.