Mikel Arteta has the opportunity to start one Arsenal player for the first time in six games against Bayern Munich tonight.
Unlike their previous tie against FC Porto, Mikel Arteta and his team know they need to win their first leg tonight.
Arsenal can’t rely on a homecoming at the Emirates to see them through to the semi-final, and really do need to head to the Allianz with some kind of advantage.
Therefore, the Gunners will need to start fast, and Arteta’s team selection will be key to that.
The Arsenal boss probably faces some of the biggest 50/50 calls he’s made all season tonight, even if he probably doesn’t see them that way.
Whilst some would probably prefer to see Thomas Partey start in the pivot tonight, there seems little doubt that Jorginho will play.
And similarly, it would perhaps be surprise if the Arsenal manager didn’t replace Oleksandr Zinchenko with a more defensively resolute option in either Jakub Kiwior or Takehiro Tomiyasu.
That being said, it’s really up in the air who Mikel Arteta will decide to start ahead of that on the left wing.
Gabriel Martinelli could make first Arsenal start since beginning of March against Bayern tonight
All of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard are competing for the spot on Arsenal’s left.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka have nailed down the other two positions in the front three, and someone will have to miss out.
Earlier in the season it would seem almost unthinkable that either Martinelli or Jesus could be left on the bench on a tactical basis in such a game – but that is the reality now.
Of course, the left-back Arteta chooses could have a big implication on that decision, whether they are inverting behind the attacker or not.
Right now it seems most likely that Jesus will keep his spot, however, could this be the perfect time for Martinelli to return?
Both Brazilians have dazzled in the Champions League this season, but Martinelli is a much more natural wide man.
Bayern centre-back Eric Dier was recently speaking about Arsenal’s pace and threat on the break, something ‘incredible’ Martinelli is known for.
And it will ultimately come down to the game plan Arteta is looking to execute.
But either way, Arsenal fans will expect those players left on the bench to play a key role tonight.
TBR’s predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
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