Arsenal will look to bounce back to winning ways when they host Dundalk on Thursday. The Gunners had kickstarted their UEFA Europa League campaign with a 2-1 win over Rapid Wien away from home. Another victory over their Irish opponents this week could go a long way in sealing their place at the top of the group, although they are coming on the back of a rather disappointing 1-0 defeat to Leicester City on the weekend.
Predicted 4-3-3 Arsenal Lineup Vs Dundalk
Defence
Mikel Arteta should persist with a four-man backline, though the injury to David Luiz on the weekend could serve as a major blow. Shkodran Mustafi had replaced the Brazilian in the second half against Leicester City, and the German could be set for his first start of the campaign this midweek.
Mustafi is expected to partner Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s four-man backline as Arsenal continue to miss out on the services of Pablo Mari and Rob Holding while Calum Chambers is slowly returning to full fitness.
There could be changes in the fullback positions with the duo of Cedric Soares and Ainsley Maitland-Niles likely to come in at the expense of Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney, with Arteta having one eye on the important Premier League encounter against Manchester United on the weekend.
Runar Alex Runarsson, meanwhile, is set to make his Arsenal debut this midweek after missing out against Rapid Wien last time out. He should start in goal, ahead of Bernd Leno.
Midfield
Arteta might look to make some changes in midfield, with Mohamed Elneny and Joe Willock more than likely to return to the side. Thomas Partey might be the only player to retain his place in the starting lineup.
The Ghanaian international needs some game-time to settle himself at his new club and this could be an ideal opportunity to do so, especially against weaker opposition. It will be interesting to see how he partners with Elneny in midfield this week.
Attack
Wholesale changes are expected in the attack as well with Eddie Nketiah spearheading the Arsenal line, supported by the wide attacking duo of Nicolas Pepe and Reiss Nelson.
It remains to be seen whether or not Willian returns to full fitness after missing the last two matches due to a calf injury. But, the Brazilian could potentially be an option, along with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
