Arsenal will be facing Italian side Atalanta away from home in their first Champions League fixture this season. Last time they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by the European giants Bayern Munich in 3-2 aggregate. However, the Gunners will be back in European action this Friday on 20th September. Last time the Gunners finished at the top of the group-B in the presence of PSV, Lens and Sevilla. They won 4 of their 6 group stage games along with a draw and a loss. And before losing to Bayern in the quarters, they had beaten Portuguese giants FC Porto on penalties in the round of 16’s.
On the other hand, Atalanta were the one who lifted the Europa League trophy last season by ending the unbeaten streak of Bayer Leverkusen. A hat-trick from Ademola Lookman in the finals helped the La Dea’s to win their first ever European trophy. He was also recently nominated in the Ballon d’Or top 30’s list. It would have been an wonderful moment for the coach Gian Piero Gasperini. He lifted up a silverware after a handful years of managing.
Both the teams would like to prove themselves in the biggest European stage again this season. Atalanta had previously entered the competition for only 4 times in the history of the UCL. Whereas, the Gunners have been very poor in the competition for the last decade. They qualified for the competition first time in the last 7 years in the 2023-24 season.
Squad News and predicted Lineups
The Gunners are in a crisis situation for the past couple of weeks. New signing Mikel Merino is yet to mark his debut due to his shoulder injury. It can take 6-8 weeks for him to recover. Even captain Odegard has suffered from an ankle injury recently. Arteta claimed that the injury seems serious and they will be missing him out for a period of time. Full backs Tierney, Tomiyasu and Zinchenko are also out due to injuries.
But the fans can be relieved after the return of midfield maestro Declan Rice, who has suspended against Spurs last Sunday. Summer signing Calafiori and forward Gabriel Jesus has returned to the squad ahead of the European clash. Arteta has also confirmed that Saka will be available for the game after his withdrawal during the derby.
Possible Arsenal lineup–
- Raya
- White
- Saliba
- Gabriel
- Timber
- Partey
- Rice
- Trossard
- Martinelli
- Saka
- Havertz
Whereas, the La Dea’s will be missing out on two important players. Scamacca and Scalvini both will be out for a long time due to serious injuries. Defensive partners Toloi and Godfrey both were absent in the win over Florentina last weekend.
Former Gunner Kolasniac has recovered from his thigh problems. He is fit ahead of the game and will be ready to the face the visiting Arsenal crowd. Attacker Zaniolo has also returned to the side as he was on the bench on Sunday. He will be set to support the Italian forward Retegui upfront.
Possible Atalanta lineup–
- Carnesecchi
- Djimsiti
- Hien
- Kolasinac
- Bellenova
- Ederson
- De Roon
- Ruggeri
- De Ketelaere
- Lookman
- Retegui
Arsenal and Atalanta Recent form
Arsenal are yet to beaten in the Premier League in the 4 games they have played till now (3 wins and 1 draw). They won their previous game against rival side Spurs last weekend. A strong header from defender Gabriel secured them the winner. Arsenal are in full confidence after the win in the absence of important players like Odegard and Rice. The Gunners defense is very strong as the duo of Saliba and Gabriel have only conceded 1 goal till now. Timber was also solid against the Spurs and they will be hoping more of such performances from him.
Saka and Havertz have been the main attacking threat for the Gunners this season. The two have been involved with 5 of the 6 goals scored by Arsenal. Martinelli is yet to figure out his form this season. But Trossard has been a great asset for the Gunners on and off the bench.
However, Atalanta haven’t had a great start this season. They have lost 2 out of their 4 games and currently in the 9th place at the table. The only positive thing for the La Dea’s will be the attacking threat from Retegui. He has scored 4 goals in 4 matches and will be an important player for them against Arsenal.
Lookman will also be a crucial player for Atalanta. He scored 5 goals in 3 Europa League starts last season. Both of the forwards will need to step up against the Gunners to beat the almost inevitable Arsenal defense.
A trusted source on GoonerNews.comFor more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
