EPL
Arsenal’s predicted line-up vs Atalanta as Arteta faces Bukayo Saka headache
Mikel Arteta may opt to field a rotated lineup when Arsenal face Atalanta this evening, with a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City looming on Sunday.
The Gunners are in Bergamo for their first game in the revamped Champions League. The new format offers teams some leeway, making an opening loss less damaging than in previous seasons. While Arteta will be eager for a positive start in Europe, most fans are focused on the high-stakes encounter with the defending champions later this week.
Injuries have left Arteta with little choice but to rely on some of his squad players against the Serie A side. Ahead of the match, six players from Arsenal’s 23-man UEFA A-list were listed as injured, as confirmed by UEFA before the pre-match press conference.
This includes midfield star Martin Odegaard, who is facing an extended absence due to a “significant” ankle injury, according to Arteta. New signings Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori are also on the injury list, although Calafiori has returned to training and could make an appearance off the bench.
Bukayo Saka, who limped off during last Sunday’s win over Tottenham, might be rested despite Arteta declaring him fit to play. With Sunday’s match against Manchester City on the horizon, it’s unlikely the manager will take unnecessary risks.
David Raya is set to continue in goal, with first-choice center-backs William Saliba and Gabriel expected to anchor the defense, supported by Ben White and Jurrien Timber on the flanks. In midfield, Declan Rice is available for selection and could line up alongside Jorginho, who addressed the media at the pre-match press conference, and Thomas Partey.
Kai Havertz might be given a break, paving the way for Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling to join Leandro Trossard in the starting XI.
As for Atalanta, they will be missing former Everton defender Ben Godfrey and ex-West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca due to injuries. However, former Arsenal player Sead Kolasinac is expected to feature on the left side of their defense.
Predicted Arsenal Starting XI vs. Atalanta: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Rice; Sterling, Jesus, Trossard.
BUNDESLIGA
Alphonso Davies’ Agent Sets Up Talks With Real Madrid And Man Utd After Bayern Fallout
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has been reinvigorated after a series of developments that suggest the Canadian defender’s future remains undecided. While Bayern had recently shown confidence in retaining Davies, Real Madrid has been given fresh hope of securing his signature.
Davies is unlikely to commit to any decision before January, allowing Real Madrid time to prepare an official contract offer.
According to Christian Falk via The Daily Briefing, Davies’ agent, Nedal Huoseh, was supposed to meet with Bayern officials in Munich.
However, the meeting was shifted to a virtual call, and Bayern’s Director of Football, Max Eberl, did not attend, reportedly frustrating Huoseh. This isn’t the first instance of strained relations between Bayern and Davies’ representative.
The next set of negotiations is now expected to happen in January. Although Bayern remains hopeful that Davies will sign a contract extension, Huoseh has scheduled meetings with both Manchester United and Real Madrid to review their offers.
Real Madrid’s current proposal is similar to Bayern’s, which could give Manchester United an edge if they table a significantly better offer. Despite Bayern’s push for a swift resolution, it appears the situation will extend into the new year.
EPL
OFFICIAL: Mohamed Salah Is The EPL Player Of The Month For November
Mo Salah has been named the Premier League Player of the Month for November, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top performers.
The Liverpool star outshone rivals Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Ryan Gravenberch, Martin Ødegaard, João Pedro, Bukayo Saka, and Yoane Wissa to clinch the award.
In November, Salah played a crucial role in Liverpool’s success, contributing to five of the team’s seven goals through either scoring or assisting.
His contributions helped the Reds secure victories in all three matches, keeping them at the top of the Premier League table.
This marks the sixth time in his career that Salah has claimed the Player of the Month honor.
He now stands alongside football icons Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time rankings. Salah is just one award away from matching the joint record of seven, currently held by Harry Kane and Sergio Agüero.
EPL
William Saliba Delivers Huge Arsenal Boost With Clear Message On His Future
William Saliba has significantly boosted Arsenal by committing his future to the club. The French defender has been pivotal to Mikel Arteta’s squad since cementing his place in the starting lineup during the 2022-23 season.
At just 23 years old, Saliba has already surpassed 100 appearances for the Gunners and has featured in 13 Premier League matches this season as Arsenal chase the title.
His standout performances have reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants identifying him as a key transfer target.
Despite the speculation, Saliba, who is under contract until 2027, made it clear that he feels “at home” at Arsenal and has no intention of leaving.
When asked about his future, he told The Mirror: “Yeah, of course, I feel at home. I signed for the club five years ago, but this is only my third season, and I’m enjoying everything — the players, the staff, and the fans. I feel at home, so of course, why not?”
Saliba’s consistent form has earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for the past two seasons.
His defensive contributions have been crucial to Arsenal’s success, helping the team maintain the second-best defensive record in the league with just 14 goals conceded in 14 games. Only league leaders Liverpool have a better record, with 11 goals conceded.
Even though Arsenal trail Liverpool by seven points, Saliba remains confident that the gap can be closed. “Everything is possible,” he said. “The season is very long, and we’ve experienced that in the past two years. We just have to focus on ourselves. It’s still only December, so a lot of things can happen.”
Saliba was instrumental in Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win over Manchester United, scoring a crucial second goal that helped narrow the gap to Liverpool.
The Gunners now aim to build on that momentum when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, seeking to avenge last season’s defeat at the same venue.
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