Preview: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Arsenal: Lineups, Team News, and Where to Watch

Himanshu Pradhan
4 Min Read

Arsenal Vs Shaktar Donetsk Oct 22, 2024

TEAM REVIEW

The preview discusses the anticipation around Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, highlighting the stress and agitation among fans after a disappointing weekend. The hosts, Arsenal, are eager to bounce back from recent performances. Amidst complacency concerns, Analysts stress the importance of a disciplined and focused effort to regain momentum. They analyze Shakhtar’s lacklustre performance in their recent games, noting that they have yet to score in the Champions League.

Conversations delve into the need for Arsenal to avoid mistakes and not underestimate their opponents, especially after a poor showing against Bournemouth. The panel expresses a collective desire to see a composer and professional performance from the team, which has shown both quality and vulnerability in prior matches. They emphasize the need to maintain an entire squad on the pitch to succeed against Shakhtar and later face Liverpool.

As they reflect on squad selections, discussions include potential formations—and player roles for the upcoming match. Opinions vary on whether to maintain a conservative approach or test new dynamics in the field. There’s a consensus on the necessity of discipline and minimizing unforced errors while acknowledging the tactical needs that arise from upcoming fixtures. They stress both the significance of this game for regaining confidence and its potential ripple effects on subsequent matches, particularly with Liverpool on the horizon. The need for rigorous preparation is paramount, with considerations for player fitness and the tactical setup becoming focal points.

As they delve deeper into player evaluations and formations, anticipation builds around the match’s potential implications and the strategies that could unfold on game day. The discussion shifts to specific player selections and formations for the match against Shakhtar. Questions arise about the availability of Timber, with predictions leaning towards him being fit to play. If Timber is available, the preferred defensive setup would include him at right back and Cal at left back, with Ben White and Gabriel in central defence. There’s an insight shared about previous tactical choices and the rationale behind player placements based on fitness levels and performance.

The midfield choices prompt a debate, particularly around the contributions of Rice, Partey, and a possible place for Trossard. While some argue for retaining Rice in the lineup due to his recent form, others believe Partey’s fitness must be preserved for the more critical upcoming match against Liverpool. The conversation highlights the importance of finding balance and ensuring  Squad depth is utilized strategically without compromising performance Quality.

In the front three, selections are debated, focusing on Bukayo Saka, who is believed to be fit after being rested. The considerations weighing heavily on whether to start Martinelli or introduce Sterling into the mix are examined, emphasizing potential outcomes for match strategy and effectiveness against Shakhtar. Despite concerns about performance consistency, the case for giving Sterling minutes is made due to perceived improvements in his integration with the minute.

What time does Arsenal vs. Shakhtar Donetsk kick-off? 

* When is the kick-off? Tuesday 23 October 2024

* What time is the kick-off? 12:30 AM (IST) 

* Where is it played? Emirates Stadium, London 

* Referee: Benoit Bastien (FRA)

Is Arsenal vs Shakhtar Donetsk on TV? 

Wednesday’s game at the Emirates has been selected as the sole fixture on Matchday 3, broadcast by Sony Sports Network in India. An option is available for Indian fans. You can also watch on the Sony Liv app. 

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Shakhtar: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Nwaneri, Merino; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli.

Predicted Shakhtar lineup vs. Arsenal: Riznyk, Konoplya, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedrinho, Kryskiv, Zubkov, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Newerton, Sikan. 

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