Nicolas Pepe left out of Mikel Arteta’s best Arsenal XI after the international break


Mikel Arteta will hope to continue Arsenal’s positive run of form this weekend as the Gunners host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.

The north Londoners are currently in the midst of a five games unbeaten – having won four of those – and sit 11th in the standings following their 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion nearly two weeks ago.

It goes without saying then that Arsenal will be hoping to extend that run and potentially close the gap on the top four this weekend.

In order to do that, they at first have to overcome an Eagles side managed by Gunners icon Patrick Vieira.

With that being said, football.london takes a look at the best possible XI available to Arteta ahead of the clash.

Goalkeeper

Heading into the international break, it appeared that there was a battle on to become Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper. However, that appears to have been won by Aaron Ramsdale, with the summer signing having started between the sticks in each of the last four Premier League games.

The 23-year-old seems set to keep Bernd Leno on the sidelines once more against Palace.

Defence

Injury-dependent, Mikel Arteta appears to have his ideal defensive line available for this weekend’s game.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White should be partnered together once more after impressing over recent weeks, whilst Kieran Tierney should also be selected to start at left-back.

The only doubt revolves around Takehiro Tomiyasu – who whilst not injured has not long returned from international duty so could well be rested. However, should he be available, he is surely going to start after his highly-impressive first month-and-a-half in north London.



Arsenal will be hoping that Takehiro Tomiyasu can stay fit ahead of their clash against Crystal Palace next week. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Arsenal will be hoping that Takehiro Tomiyasu can stay fit ahead of their clash against Crystal Palace next week (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Midfield

Due to the injury suffered by Granit Xhaka, Arteta is somewhat limited for options in midfield ahead of taking on Palace.

Thomas Partey appears set to start after his impressive form for Ghana over the international break, whilst there are questions over his potential partner.

Paired with Albert Sambi Lokonga against Brighton, the pair struggled together as the Gunners were stifled at the AMEX.

This could potentially see Mohamed Elneny reintroduced into the side alongside the Ghanaian.

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Attack

Whilst his midfield options are limited, Arteta actually has a wealth of players to assemble a capable Arsenal attack.

Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to lead the line once more and will be supported by summer signing Martin Odegaard after the Norwegian’s promising start to the season.

Meanwhile, there should be two Hale End Academy graduates on either flank in the forms of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

This leaves a lack of space for the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette, who will both likely be left on the bench for the game against Brighton.

Arsenal best XI after the international break: Ramsdale; Tierney, Gabriel, White, Tomiyasu; Partey, Elneny; Smith-Rowe, Odegaard, Saka, Aubameyang.





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