We are playing Sporting today in few minutes, in the first leg of round 16. Team sheets are out and although I’m a bit disappointed seeing Saka and Martinelli in the playing XI, we didn’t have much option left. Trossard is injured, Nelson is covering him. Eddie is still not back from the ankle injury, so Martinelli is up top, playing in the middle. I have been waiting for this day to see him play as the central forward, lets see what he delivers today.
We, fans, may say it’s a less important game when the league is on the line and we have almost made it to the Champions League football. But, there’s a trophy to be won at the end of this campaign and I hate to say but we have enough quality to make it till the end even while we rest our important players.
Partey and Gabriel are on the bench, much needed rest for the later but sort of a precaution for Thomas. Matt takes up his position from Ramsdale. ESR, Tomi and Rob holding are on the bench with some new, unfamiliar names.
Shame that Tierney couldn’t make it due to an illness and Zinchenko has to start. We are seeing Kiwior in action today, a signing no one expected but delighted regardless. It would be interesting to see how he adapts and develop alongside Saliba.
I hope we wrap up the tie today by keeping a clean sheet and scoring couple of ém against Sporting. Arteta knows it, and hasn’t gone with a completely changed playing XI. Jorginho + Xhaka combined with Vieira confirms it. Martinelli and Saka are regulars. Saliba is playing every freaking game along side White and Zinchenko. It’s a good mix, one to make a mark from the likes of Kiwior, Vieira and Nelson.
Short one today – midweek and work but I’m watching it with a bucket of coffee and some pasta. Hope you are having a good one, and Arsenal make the evening better for us.
And, a big LOL to SPU*S.
Cheers.
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