Saliba decision, Nwaneri finally starts, Saka call – Arsenal lineups vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Arsenal return to European action looking to get back to winning ways following their defeat to Bournemouth on the weekend. Shakhtar Donetsk make the trip to the Emirates Stadium to set up a narrative regarding Oleksandr Zinchenko as he faces his former club.

Arsenal have several injury concerns and some players back in contention following absences. Mikel Arteta will need to get the selection right, especially with Liverpool coming to North London just five days later.

With that in mind, the selection on the weekend becomes much more curious. Thankfully football.london’s writers have given their thoughts on what teams they would select for the clash.

Tom Canton

The big question that emerged from the game with Bournemouth was how are Arsenal going to continue to cope without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. The lack of creativity is glaring and against Shakhtar Donetsk Mikel Arteta has a choice.

Persist with the midfield dynamic that while early in its lifespan lacked dynamism and directness. Or, twist and choose Ethan Nwaneri which is exactly what I would do for this game.

Should Saka still be out then I would instead this time opt for Gabriel Jesus here too. Perhaps Saka might still make the bench but managing his readiness ahead of Liverpool is massive and necessary.

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I would start Saliba despite an argument that practising a back four ahead of the Reds’ visit this Sunday can happen here with less domestic weight on it. Yet, why give Liverpool any insight and why weaken the team when a win to bring momentum is simply much more important?

Canton’s Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Merino, Nwaneri; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli

Kaya Kaynak

I think Arsenal will be glad to have the chance to put Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth behind them quickly against a Shakhtar Donetsk team they'll fancy their chances of beating. That doesn't mean I wouldn't make changes though.

I think much of the backline picks itself really due to a lack of available options. I think you could argue that Oleksandr Zinchenko should start this one at left-back with Riccardo Calafiori needed to face Liverpool this weekend.

In midfield is where I'm making the biggest changes. I thought the switch to the 4-3-3 didn't work against Bournemouth so I'm going back to the 4-4-2 that has papered over the cracks of Martin Odegaard's absence. That means Declan Rice partners Jorginho in midfield, with Thomas Partey getting the night off ahead of Liverpool.

On the wings I'm playing Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus. The pair deserve their opportunities and with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both injury concerns I think it's the right time to play them.

Up front it's the usual duo of Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard. The pair dovetail nicely as a striking partnership and I'd love to see them back for this one.

Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Shakhtar Donetsk - Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Sterling, Rice, Jorginho, Jesus; Havertz, Trossard.

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