Athletic Club v. The Arsenal, Tuesday September 16 2025 1745 GMT

Hope we rest Odegaard and Saliba, Saka won't be ready, Norgaard might be available.

Feels like this years CL is going to be a much tighter affair because teams that were poor last season have strengthened so we need a strong start.

They are in good form in the league so far this season off the back of a good year last season so its going to be a tough contest.

Must win though, really need to hit the ground running and finish in that top bracket again.

Would imagine we rotate the line up again with Man City on the horizon.

 

No MO, Saka or Kai in practice. So they are out. Saliba is in training so I doubt we rest him but Arteta could be changing his stripes a bit. With MO out, I want to see Nwaneri get a start.

 

Sounds like White may still be out too

 

He was on the bench for Forest, did he aggravate his injury in training?

 

IDK. Saw a claim that he wasn't in training today.

 

Mosquera should start, imo. He's Spanish, knows the league and players better, and certainly "in form" atm. I also think it only benefits to get him more acclimated into the first team now as Saliba is clear first choice when 100% fit.

And I'd rather we rest Saliba for City. Maybe he gets some minutes at the end of the game, assuming Arteta has some subs to burn.

I do wonder when Hincapie gets his first start, or even makes his first appearance as a sub...

 

I will be curious to see what route MA goes up front. I’d stick with Eze-Gyokeres-Madueke and Ethan replacing MO. I do wonder if we’d try Eze in the MO role and let Martinelli start in the right.

 

No Nico Williams tomorrow

 

Important not to lose. Won't say we have to win but we should go there for a win. That said, we have City on Sunday. Might be wise to first look at what is our best XI on Sunday and work backwards for this game. The central defense and keeper are good to play both games all 90 minutes. From there...assuming Calafiori will start on Sunday, give MLS a start.

Who plays in Odegaard's role on Sunday? Eze or Nwaneri? Start the other. Start Merino. If neither Trossasrd and Martinelli is starting on Sunday I'd go with Trossard. I assume that Athletic will be caustiously optimistic. Is Norgaard healthy, if so he starts. They are at home and not want to sit 11 behind the ball. My guess? They'll press and look to counter. The strange thing is teams respect our attack when its the team defense that is the crown jewel.

Do we start Gyokeres? Or bring him off the bench? Its times like this you want a healthy Havertz or Jesus.

 

Disagree on a few points. While I agree that the City match is a big one, it's also important to start CL on a high note. On top of that you have 4 days between this and City. I don't think you have to start your absolute best lineup but I think most of the starters should start.

I have no issue with the idea of MLS for Cala.
Agree with those above that suggest Mosquera should start for Saliba but I could also see the value in getting Saliba on the field and back of the match fitness.
For MF, we should start Rice & Zubi because you already know that MO is out. Personally I would give Ethan the other spot. Believe he deserves a shot.
For FW, VG & Noni should start. I'm honestly open to whomever on the left.

Get yourself up 2-3 goals by the 60th and then bring in 5 backups all in one shot.

 

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Merino, Eze, Madueke, Gyokeres.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Setford, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Hincapie, Norgaard, Dowman, Nwaneri, Martinelli, Trossard.

 

Rotation is for nerds.

(this is our 2nd-toughest game of the stage so I’m fine with it)

 

I’d say third. We have Bayern at home and Inter away.

 

I’m putting this above Bayern but that’s fair.

 

No real suprises. It does seem like Eze may be option 1 for LW now.

 

Hope we have a few goals in by HT and we make some swaps out to keep people fresh for Man Shitty.

 

Strongest XI. Hmm....
I love seeing Dowman on the bench. Hope he gets a run out.

 

Seems the 2 announcers are sitting in different locations. One is shouting the other barely audible. Is it just me?

 

The kit looks better with those shorts. Give me the blue top, blue socks and grey shorts.

 

Not just you. It's unreal. Had to mute because it's like there is no audio and then someone starts yelling at you.