Expected Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Shakhtar Donetsk with Martinelli & Merino decisions made | OneFootball

Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The London giants suffered their first defeat of the campaign against Bournemouth in the league and manager Mikel Arteta will want a strong response.

Ahead of the game, Arsenal have not received any boost with Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber absent from training.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya has been an undisputed starter in goal for the Gunners in the Premier League and Champions League games. The Spaniard has been exceptional with world-class saves and should continue between the sticks.

In front of him, it should be the same back four from the Cherries defeat. William Saliba was sent off on Saturday, but he is only suspended in the Premier League. The France international has the chance to redeem himself with a strong performance alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence.

Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori should be nailed-on starters from the right and left-back positions.

The manager was too defensive with three holding midfielders against the Cherries and we anticipate Mikel Merino to drop to the bench. Thomas Partey and Declan Rice could start in the heart of the midfield with Leandro Trossard occupying the number 10 position this time around.

This would pave the way for Gabriel Martinelli to start on the left wing. Raheem Sterling was Arsenal’s best attacking player last weekend before his early substitution and deserves to start on the right wing with Saka likely to miss out. Kai Havertz gets our nod up front ahead of Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus has lacked confidence leading the line this term and could get another cameo off the bench.

How Arsenal could line up vs Shakhtar

Stats from Transfermarkt.com