Top of the table Arsenal travel to Kenilworth Road for the first time since 1991 to take on a Luton side who find themselves two points above the relegation zone. Last Word on Football predicts how Mikel Arteta’s side will line up.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
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How Arsenal Have Lined Up Recently
The Gunners won their third game in a row by defeating Wolves 2-1 at The Emirates Stadium. David Raya started in goal although he was as much of a spectator as the rest of us until the Midlands side sparked into action for the last 20 minutes.
In defence, Oleksandr Zinchenko looked a real threat going forward and provided the assist for what turned out to be the eventual winner. The consistent William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes never put a foot wrong and Takehiro Tomiyasu showed once again why he merits his starting place in this Arsenal side.
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Any title aspirations for the Gunners are going to rely on club captain Martin Odegaard performing at his best and despite a quiet start to the season, he ran the show in North London this weekend getting his second goal in as many matches. Leandro Trossard was used as the high left eight but failed to make any substantial impact on proceedings.
The terrifying trio of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli were on full show again for the Arsenal crowd. Injuries and a lack of potency have left some supporters wanting a new number nine, but no one can deny the quality of Jesus’s vision and link-up play.
Arsenal Changes We May See
After hobbling off with ten minutes to go against Wolves, the extent of Tomiyasu’s injury remains to be seen, however with games coming thick and fast the Japanese International is unlikely to be risked. This may open the door for the return of ‘special player’ Ben White who surrendered his position following an injury and has since been unable to take it back.
In midfield, Kai Havertz could come into the starting lineup at the expense of Leandro Trossard. The German international looks to have settled over the past weeks after a turbulent start to life in North London.
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Changes in attack are likely to be limited with the difficulty this tie could pose kept in mind. Luton at home under the December lights is not an away day that many clubs will be looking forward to with the newly promoted side taking points from Liverpool at Kenilworth Park last month. Saka, Jesus, and Martinelli may well all start notwithstanding the trip to Aston Villa next weekend.
Arsenal’s Recent Form and Tactics
November was a fruitful month for Arsenal with top spot secured in the Champions League while the now sit at the peak of the Premier League table. The Gunners seem to have found some attacking fluidity of late after spending the early stages of the season prioritising defensive solidity. Declan Rice has been phenomenal in midfield and it has allowed Zinchenko to take his game up another notch going forward.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Tomiyasu is the only new injury concern for Arteta. Long-term absentees Emile Smith-Rowe, Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira, and Jurrien Timber all will miss out on the midweek trip to Luton.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
