Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made two changes to the starting line-up for tonight’s Champions League group stage clash against Lens on the road.
The Gunners are currently on a two-match winning streak in all competitions. They registered a convincing 4-0 Premier League victory over Bournemouth last weekend.
Ahead of tonight’s game, Arteta has opted for two changes to the line-up from the South Coast trip. Eddie Nketiah has dropped to the bench and has been replaced by Leandro Trossard.
Trossard, who already has three goals for the campaign, was unfortunate to get injured before the north London derby. He was back in the squad on Saturday and has now made the XI.
The Belgian will start on the left wing tonight with Gabriel Jesus leading the line.
The other change is at the back with Takehiro Tomiyasu starting ahead of Ben White at right-back.
The Japan international was brilliant in the 1-0 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup third round where he started at right centre-back before moving into the right-back position.
He made several clearances and blocks in the box against the Bees. In our view, the former Bologna man has deservedly earned his starting spot. Ben White has been given a breather.
Confirmed Arsenal line-up (4-3-3): Raya; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Havertz, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Trossard.
Arsenal are currently just one point behind Manchester City, who are top of the Premier League. They are due to host the Cityzens at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Despite this, Arteta has gone with a strong line-up tonight which suggests that the Spanish tactician is wary of Lens. The French outfit finished second in Ligue 1 last campaign.
Lens started the new season poorly and were bottom of their league table at one stage. They have recently turned their fortunes around with back-to-back victories and won’t be an easy opposition to face.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
