How Arsenal’s major starting lineup problems can be solved in crucial Liverpool showdown

Mikel Arteta has encountered numerous obstacles during his tenure as Arsenal manager; however, his forthcoming encounter with Liverpool on Sunday will serve as an authentic examination for the Spaniard.

Arsenal are entering the match following a challenging week. The Gunners appeared disoriented in their loss to Bournemouth prior to William Saliba’s dismissal, and their narrow victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League was far from conclusive.

Saliba will be unable to participate on Sunday due to his suspension, and captain Martin Odegaard has yet to recover from the injury he sustained during his time in Norway in September. Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are also subject to question marks, and Jurrien Timber’s return after missing the previous two games is uncertain.

“Saka is not currently training, so he will not be available. Additionally, Ricci [Calafiori] was unable to remain due to an illness that caused him to feel unwell against Shakhtar.” A minor concern. Arteta informed Amazon Prime following the 1-0 victory during the midweek.

Arsenal’s absentee list would render any match challenging; however, the opposition compounds the situation. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool has not suffered a loss in an away encounter. However, they are currently grappling with injury concerns, as Alisson is unavailable and Diogo Jota is a significant question mark.

Arteta’s decisions will be influenced, at least in part, by the fitness of the individual to begin. Mirror Football offers five potential starting lineups for the top-of-the-table matchup.

Option 1: Odegaard is the sole individual who is unable to participate due to injury.Arteta’s ideal situation is not quite complete vigor, but it is approaching it. Saliba is undoubtedly unavailable, and Odegaard is still expected to be absent. Additionally, there is no indication that Takehiro Tomiyasu or Kieran Tierney will be available in the near future, which has become increasingly problematic due to injuries in other areas.

Ben White is expected to relocate to the inside position as a result of Saliba’s suspension, while Timber is expected to revert to the right-back position. Darwin Nunez is expected to start in the center following his goal in midweek, and Liverpool’s tenacity in attack suggests that a robust back four is the best course of action.

After a pair of underwhelming performances, including a missed penalty in midweek, Leandro Trossard may feel as though he is on thin ice. Nevertheless, Arteta may be able to relocate Saka to a more prominent position as the number 10 behind Kai Havertz in the event of his return.

Option 2: Saka and Odegaard are not present.Arsenal would have a limited number of alternatives in the event that Saka is unable to attend. Raheem Sterling was the first to start against Bournemouth; however, he was sacrificed following Saliba’s dismissal and may be considered more of a reserve option on Sunday. Additionally, there is the possibility of dropping Kai Havertz deeper and allowing Gabriel Jesus to lead the line.

However, Arteta may choose a more conservative approach when confronted with a team as formidable as Liverpool. As a result, a loss on Sunday would result in his team being seven points behind Slot’s team.

At Bournemouth, Mikel Merino was the first to start in a midfield three, followed by Rice and Partey. However, the early red card necessitated a change in the lineup. In an effort to counteract the Merseyside club, the Spaniard could potentially be incorporated into a combative midfield triumvirate.

Option 3: Absence of Saka or CalafioriThe early exit of Calafiori from the match against Shakhtar was a cause for concern. Arsenal will be hoping that the situation is not as severe as some fear, as the Italian endeavored to continue playing before ultimately realizing that he was unable to do so.

The second half of the match against Shakhtar was contested by Partey at right-back, while Merino was inserted into the midfield. The same may be necessary on Sunday, with Timber replacing Calafiori on the left and a Rice-Merino fulcrum.

Arteta may choose to implement a more fluid frontline in this scenario. Dropping Havertz deeper to assist the midfield could provide Gabriel Jesus with an opportunity to enter the game, as he has demonstrated the capacity to play on the right or through the middle.

Option 4: Absence of Saka, Calafiori, or TimberObviously, the aforementioned is predicated on Timber’s readiness to return. The Dutchman’s participation is not guaranteed, despite Arteta’s optimistic appearance on Monday. “It will be a tight game,” Arsenal’s manager informed reporters prior to the Shakhtar match. “We must observe his approach to training with the entire group.” However, he is relatively near.

Myles On Tuesday, Lewis-Skelly was on the field for 20 minutes at left-back; however, it would be a significant decision to plunge the adolescent into the deep end. Lewis-Skelly has not yet made a senior appearance outside of the Carabao Cup, and Arteta may still be haunted by the memory of inexperienced left-back Nuno Tavares’ disastrous performance against Liverpool in 2021.

Jakub Kiwior did not bask in the grandeur of his performance after coming off the bench against Bournemouth; however, it is feasible that the Pole receives the call. Arsenal is expected to require a more compact formation than they would against inferior opponents, which could prove advantageous for the former Spezia player. Additionally, a more defensive approach could result in Jorginho being incorporated into a compact midfield.

Option 5 – A new position for RicePartey is not the sole member of Arsenal’s midfield who could be employed in a capacity that is less familiar. Declan Rice served as a center-back on numerous occasions and also played at the defense for Ireland before ultimately changing his international allegiances.

The midfielder has demonstrated the physical and tactical capabilities, despite the fact that it has been a considerable amount of time since he was regularly utilized as a defender. The question is whether Arteta is willing to forgo the benefits he can provide through the middle.

Arsenal would continue to capitalize on White’s attacking capabilities on the right flank by relocating Rice to the position of center-back. It is a viable alternative for Arteta, regardless of the availability of other defenders, and it could enable Timber to engage with the perilous Mohamed Salah on Arsenal’s left side.