Atalanta vs Arsenal: Jesus Starts, Team News
The Gunners travel to Bergamo for a crucial Europa League Round of 16 first leg clash against Atalanta on Thursday night. Arsenal will be hoping to carry their recent momentum into this match, having won their last four games in all competitions. However, the task at hand will be a difficult one, as Atalanta are a formidable opponent who have been known for their attacking prowess and dynamic play style.
Team News:
Arsenal:
- Gabriel Jesus is expected to start upfront after his impressive performance in the recent win against Leicester City.
- Eddie Nketiah, who is also in good form, could be used off the bench.
- Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Granit Xhaka are all expected to be in the starting lineup.
- William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remain the likely center-back pairing.
- Reiss Nelson is still recovering from a hamstring injury and is unlikely to be involved.
Atalanta:
- Atalanta is currently struggling with injuries, with key players like Duván Zapata and Teun Koopmeiners unavailable due to injuries.
- Ademola Lookman and Rasmus Højlund will likely lead the line for Atalanta.
- Hans Hateboer, Joakim Mæhle, and Giorgio Scalvini are also expected to be in the starting lineup.
Key Battles:
- The midfield battle between Granit Xhaka and Teun Koopmeiners will be crucial. Both players are known for their passing range and ability to dictate the tempo of the game.
- The battle for aerial dominance will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match. William Saliba will have his work cut out for him against Rasmus Højlund, who is known for his physical presence in the air.
- Bukayo Saka will face a tough test against Hans Hateboer, who is known for his attacking prowess and ability to get forward.
Tactical Approach:
Arsenal:
- Arteta will likely deploy a 4-3-3 formation with a focus on controlling possession and playing on the counter-attack.
- The wide players, Saka and Martin Ødegaard, will be key in creating chances for Jesus and Nketiah in the final third.
- The midfield trio of Xhaka, Ødegaard, and Partey will need to be disciplined and effective in closing down space and preventing Atalanta from building up attacks.
Atalanta:
- Atalanta is known for their attacking style of play and will likely look to press high and force Arsenal into errors.
- They will aim to exploit the space behind the Arsenal defense and create chances through quick counter-attacks.
- Atalanta will also look to make the most of set-pieces and put Arsenal under pressure from crosses into the penalty area.
Prediction:
This match will be a tight affair, but Arsenal's recent form and the return of Gabriel Jesus gives them a slight edge. However, Atalanta is a dangerous team that is always capable of causing an upset. A 2-1 win for Arsenal is a likely outcome, but a draw is a possibility.
This Europa League clash is poised to be a thrilling encounter, with both sides boasting a strong attacking presence. Arsenal will need to be at their best to overcome the challenge posed by Atalanta, and a clean sheet will be key to achieving a positive result in the first leg.
