Expected Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Shakhtar Donetsk, 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 season against Bournemouth in the league last weekend, and manager Mikel Arteta will want a strong response.

Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber were absent from training yesterday and will likely miss the game.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

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

It should be the same back four in front of him. William Saliba was sent off on Saturday, but he is only suspended in the Premier League.

The French 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 at full-back.

The manager was too defensive with three holding midfielders against the Cherries, and Mikel Merino will probably be dropped 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 attacker last weekend before his early substitution.

He deserves to start on the right wing, with Saka expected to miss out. Kai Havertz gets the 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.