Thomas Partey Returns to the Squad: Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Sheffield United for March 4

How Arsenal Have Lined up Recently

The Gunners have used a largely unchanged squad for the majority of the games since the turn of the new year. A couple of injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are the only two instances where a change has been necessary.

Jakub Kiwior has slotted in admirably at left-back for the North Londoners over the last few games. The Polish defender also scored a goal against Newcastle United last weekend and has added to an already strong Arsenal defensive line.

David Raya, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have formed a formidable partnership that has made Arsenal the best defensive team in the league.

Club captain Martin Odegaard and record signing Declan Rice have started every game in midfield this season when available. They have been accompanied by Kai Havertz and more recently Jorginho. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have shared minutes on the left flank and the latter has also played as the center forward at times in the absence of Jesus.

The club’s top scorer Bukayo Saka is the ever-present attacking threat on the right flank.

Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics

Arsenal are in imperious form having scored 25 goals in the last six games, scoring five or more on three occasions in the last two months. The only blemish in this great run has been their loss to Porto in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.

Arteta has stuck with a 4-3-3 formation this season which sees the full-backs invert into the midfield while in possession. No matter the personnel, the Spanish manager prefers to play this style of football which allows for an extra player in midfield alongside Rice.

When Jorginho comes into the side, Rice is given license to roam further up the field. When Trossard plays as the striker, he allows the wide players to cut in and attack the opposition goal, while Havertz plays more as a target-man for the Gunners.

Arsenal Injuries to Consider

In his latest press conference, the Spanish manager had some good news regarding Thomas Partey. He said: “Thomas had a session before the last game and now he’s done two consecutive sessions so he should be part of the squad on Monday.”

Arteta also said that Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Jesus are all fit, but would need a late fitness test to decide whether they would be a part of the squad. Jurrien Timber is the other long-term absentee who is ruled out for the clash against the Blades. The Dutch international, however, is close to making a return for the Gunners.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup

GK – David Raya

RB – Ben White

CB – William Saliba

CB – Gabriel Magalhaes

LB – Jakub Kiwior

CDM – Declan Rice

CM – Kai Havertz

CM – Martin Odegaard

RW – Bukayo Saka

ST – Leandro Trossard

LW – Gabriel Martinelli