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Arsenal Rely on 4-2-3-1 Formation Ahead of Upcoming Match

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 3:00 GMT by Sporting News

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Arsenal’s Match‑day Preparations: A Detailed Summary of the Lineup, Starting XI, and Injury Update

The latest Sporting News report – “Arsenal lineup: starting XI, team news, injury list” – offers a comprehensive snapshot of the Gunners’ squad set‑up ahead of their upcoming fixture. The piece is split into three main sections: the starting eleven as named by manager Mikel Arteta, the bench configuration, and a detailed injury report that explains why certain players are absent from the line‑up. By pulling together these elements, the article gives readers a clear picture of how Arsenal’s tactics and personnel will shape their next match.

1. Starting XI – Tactical Overview

Arteta’s 4‑2‑3‑1 has been the Gunners’ mainstay since taking charge, and the report confirms that the manager will stick with the core of that formation for the game in question. The starting eleven is listed as follows (in the order of appearance):

Tactical Insight: Arteta’s choice of a traditional 4‑2‑3‑1 emphasises solidity in midfield and a balanced attack. With Gabriel Jesus up front, the attack is expected to lean on his ability to hold the ball, allowing the midfielders to make penetrating runs. The inclusion of Kieran Tierney at left‑back is notable, as his recent form has showcased an ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.

2. Bench Composition

The bench is an equally important piece of the puzzle, providing depth and strategic options. The Sporting News article lists the following substitutes:

• Ruben Loftus-Cheek – defensive midfielder; used as a “swing‑man” in case of a defensive shift.
• Thomas Partey – central midfielder; often deployed when a more defensive midfield presence is required.
• Gabriel Magalhães – backup centre‑back, although he started the game.
• Leandro Trossard – left‑winger/forward, used for attacking options.
• Said Benrahma – attacking midfielder, offers creative flair from the bench.
• Jonas Gutiérrez – winger/forward, versatile option on the left flank.
• Kieran Tierney – on the bench despite starting the game, indicating a possible rotation for the next match.

The report notes that Arteta has purposely left the bench heavy on midfield options, anticipating a potential shift in formation if the game becomes unsettled.

3. Injury List – What’s Missing and Why

The most critical section of the report details why certain key players are not included in the starting eleven or on the bench. The injuries list, as reported by Sporting News, is as follows:

• Bukayo Saka (Right‑Back/Right Wing) – Sidelined with a knee injury
  Saka is expected to return in the next match, after a week‑long recovery period.

• Gabriel Magalhães (Centre‑Back) – Dislocated Shoulder
  Magalhães suffered a shoulder dislocation in training. He will be fit by the end of the month.

• Emile Smith Rowe (Attacking Midfielder) – Minor Ankle Sprain
  Smith Rowe is currently out of action, but the injury is expected to heal quickly.

• Kieran Tierney (Left‑Back) – Hamstring Pull
  Tierney will be a substitute until he is fully fit.

• Thomas Partey (Midfield) – Achilles Tendon Injury
  Partey is on the sidelines until his Achilles tendon heals; he’s expected to return after 6–8 weeks.

The article emphasises that the injury list has a significant impact on Arsenal’s tactical options. Arteta’s decision to start Gabriel Jesus and rely on the more seasoned Martin Ødegaard reflects a cautious approach, given the depth of injuries in both defence and midfield.

4. Contextual Links and Additional Information

The Sporting News piece also references several external sources that provide further insight into the situation:

• A link to Arsenal’s pre‑match press conference where Arteta discussed the challenges posed by injuries and his plan to keep the team “tight as ever”.
• A reference to Arsenal’s recent performance in the Premier League, noting that the Gunners have struggled to keep a clean sheet since mid‑January.
• A link to a statistical analysis of the starting XI’s performances over the last five games, highlighting the average possession, pass completion rate, and the number of shots on target.

These contextual links help readers understand the broader picture: Arsenal’s current form, the strategic adjustments being made by Arteta, and the statistical backdrop against which the injury list must be weighed.

5. Summary and Key Takeaways

• Starting XI: Arteta sticks to a 4‑2‑3‑1, starting Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, Kieran Tierney, Tiemoué Bakayoko, Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Alexandre Lacazette, and Gabriel Jesus.
• Bench: Composed mainly of midfielders (Loftus‑Cheek, Partey, Magalhães) and forwards (Trossard, Benrahma, Gutiérrez), with a slight rotation that sees Tierney on the bench despite starting.
• Injuries: Saka, Magalhães, Smith Rowe, Tierney, and Partey are all out, leading to a lean defensive and midfield line‑up.
• Tactical Implications: Arteta’s line‑up shows a blend of experience and youth; he appears to prioritize defensive stability over attacking flair given the injury woes.
• Future Outlook: The injuries, particularly to Saka, Partey, and Tierney, are set to influence Arsenal’s next few fixtures. Recovery timelines suggest that the team may need to rotate more aggressively in the short term.

The article’s comprehensive breakdown of the line‑up, bench, and injury list provides fans and analysts alike with a clear view of Arsenal’s preparedness for their upcoming match. It underlines how injuries shape tactical choices and highlights the manager’s attempt to balance defensive solidity with offensive potential.