Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal take on FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. The Gunners need to win to advance to the quarter-finals by two goals. Kick-off is at 8:00 P.M. Last Word on Football brings you an Arsenal predicted lineup for their Round of 16 quarter-final clash.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs FC Porto
Watch: Who Wins the PL
How Arsenal Have Lined up Recently
Arteta has been consistent in his formation, preferring to use a 4-3-3, which has worked. Despite Aaron Ramsdale starting in Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Brentford, David Raya is the preferred goalkeeper. Ramsdale’s start was wholly down to Raya’s ineligibility due to his loan status from the Bees. Jakub Kiwior has started every game for Gunners at left-back since a 4-1 win over Newcastle. Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba and Ben White make up the remainder of the back four.
Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard are regulars with Jorginho starting the last three matches. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have played every game that they’ve been available for, yet Martinelli missed the last game through injury. He was replaced by Leandro Trossard. Kai Havertz who has scored in his last four league matches including the winner in his last game, starts as striker.
Arsenal’s recent form
As mentioned in the Arsenal predicted lineup preview vs Brentford, they are yet to lose a league game in 2024, with that streak continuing after a 2-1 win over the Bees. Arteta’s side have been full of goals and are defensively solid, with Raya keeping the most clean sheets so far this term.
🥇 Our Player of the Month for February, Bukayo Saka!
🤝 Presented by Steve Morrow pic.twitter.com/4CpX13ElwJ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 11, 2024
In their last 5 league matches, Arsenal have won all five. They have scored 23 goals in the process and only conceded twice. During this run of form, they have broken their record for the largest win away twice, in their 6-0 wins against UEFA Europa Conference League winners West Ham United and rock-bottom Sheffield United. In their most recent game, their late winner against Brentford places the Gunners top of the league, with Manchester City and Liverpool drawing to each other on Sunday. The win against Brentford also marks the first time they have done the double against the Bees.
Despite that, Arsenal’s form within the Champions League hasn’t been so great, losing the first leg to Porto 1-0 away. The English team topped the group, consisting of UEFA Europa League winners Sevilla, Lens and PSV Eindhoven. they started the campaign beating PSV 4-0 before a shock loss to Lens. Yet the double over Sevilla and a 6-0 home win against Lens secured top spot. Their round of 16 tie didn’t get them off to the best of starts, conceding in the 90+4 minute and putting them at a deficit.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
Arteta is hindered by two injuries currently. Jurrien Timber has been injured since the start of the season when he picked up an injury in the opening game. He is expected to return to full fitness in late April. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also doubtful for the game as his last appearance was on December 31 against Fulham.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs FC Porto
Raya;
Kiwior, Gabriel, Saliba, White;
Rice, Jorginho, Ødegaard;
Trossard, Havertz, Saka.
