A season-defining period calls for Arsenal in the absence of their inevitable force on the right flank.
The Gunners have endured an unusual week without their magical Hale End graduate, but a torn hamstring means Bukayo Saka is fit for endured a period on the margins.
Saka has operated as a one-man striker for an occasionally underachieving Arsenal side this term, and their current deficit in the Premier League title race means Mikel Arteta has little time to find an optimal alternative in the absence of their superstar winger.
The north Londoners are still unbeaten after the international break in November, but there has still been no semblance of unwavering positive momentum at the Emirates. More, Arsenal expected to finish the year on a high and go well into 2025 in contention for the title.
Here’s how the Gunners could prepare for their visit to Ipswich on Friday night.
GK: David Raya – The Spaniard was pressed into action far more than Arteta would have liked at the weekend, but Ray’s shot-stopping ability ultimately allowed the Gunners to cruise through.
RB: Jurrien Timber – The boss must be concerned about his workload, but there are few alternatives at right-back with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu out.
CB: William Saliba – Saliba fell below his typically commanding level at the weekend, so he’ll be looking to bounce back on Friday night. The return of Liam Delap gives the Frenchman something to consider.
CB: Gabriel – The absence of Saka will certainly hurt Gabriel’s performance given the quality of the winger in the corner. Who will fill that void?
LB: Riccardo Calafiori – Harsh on teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Calafiori is a key cog in Arteta’s structure and the Spaniard should not hesitate to bring him back into the XI after appearing off the bench at Selhurst Park.
CM: Declan Rice – Rice will float between the #6 and #8 roles, and this seems like a play he’ll release at the deeper position after his excellent outing on Saturday. The Gunners certainly don’t need Rice and holding midfielder against Ipswich.
CM: Mikel Merino – With Rice taking base, there could be a recall of Merino, who has flattered to cheat since joining the club but undoubtedly has some value.
CM: Martin Odegaard – It’s the skipper’s time to shine. Saka took over when Odegaard was sidelined for two months in the fall, and now the Nordic playmaker has to really prove your worth.
RW: Gabriel Martinelli – Arteta has hinted that Martinelli will act as the primary alternative in Saka’s absence after playing on the right at the weekend. Perhaps this increased responsibility will be the result of the Brazilian, who has impressed in the very rush of this term.
ST: Kai Havertz – Havertz he just doesn’t work as a midfielder and Arteta is likely to move him back to the center forward position amid the Gunners’ attacking reshuffle. The German returned to Premier League record on Saturday.
LW: Gabriel Jesus – It’s time for Jesus to shine, honestly. After terrorizing Crystal Palace last week, Jesus must now prove that his few productive outings were not just down to a strange hatred of the south London club.
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