(4-3-3) David Raya benched for Neto for the first time”, Predicted Arsenal line up vs Girona – as Mikel Arteta set to give Academy striker a chance

Arsenal is on the brink of securing their place in the Champions League round of 16 as they prepare to face Girona in their final league phase fixture on Wednesday evening. With just a single point needed to guarantee their progression, Mikel Arteta’s side heads to the Iberian Peninsula with confidence and determination.

The Gunners are currently third in the 36-team table, trailing only behind already-qualified giants Liverpool and Barcelona. This favorable position was bolstered by a dominant 3-0 victory against Dinamo Zagreb last week. That win not only solidified Arsenal’s Champions League campaign but also injected momentum into their Premier League pursuits.

Over the weekend, Arsenal managed to grind out a hard-fought 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite facing adversity in the form of a controversial first-half red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arteta’s men showed resilience and composure to secure the vital three points.

As they turn their focus back to European competition, Arsenal faces injury concerns that could impact their squad selection against Girona. While the Spanish side has only three points and is already eliminated from the Champions League, Arsenal will need to approach the match with caution and strategic planning.

One of the major concerns for Arsenal is the fitness of team captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian midfielder was unable to feature in the recent win against Wolves after waking up ill on matchday. Although his condition has reportedly improved, his participation in Wednesday’s game remains uncertain.

Mikel Merino is another player whose availability is in doubt. The midfielder picked up a knock during a training session, which forced him to miss the Wolves match. Arteta is hopeful that Merino will recover in time, but his status remains unclear.

On the injury front, Arsenal continues to grapple with the absence of key attacking players. Gabriel Jesus is in the early stages of recovery from a serious ACL injury. His rehabilitation timeline suggests that he may be sidelined until the latter part of 2025, making his absence a significant blow for the Gunners.

Bukayo Saka, another crucial member of the squad, is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury. The talented winger is expected to return to action on April 1 for Arsenal’s fixture against Fulham. Until then, the team will have to find ways to adapt without his dynamic presence on the field.

As Arsenal prepares for the critical showdown with Girona, Arteta’s tactical approach will likely focus on maintaining defensive solidity and making the most of their attacking opportunities. While Girona has struggled in the competition, Arsenal must avoid complacency and push for a convincing performance to cement their place in the next stage.

With Champions League qualification within reach, Arsenal’s determination, depth, and ability to overcome injury setbacks will be crucial in navigating this crucial fixture. Fans will undoubtedly be hoping for another commanding performance as the Gunners aim to continue their impressive European journey.