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Arsenal's 4-2-3-1 Blueprint Unveiled for Saturday's Match

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 10:53 GMT by Sporting News

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Arsenal’s Pre‑Game Blueprint: Starting XI, Injury List and Tactical Outlook

Sporting News’ latest preview – “Arsenal Lineup, Starting XI, Team News, Injury List” – offers a detailed snapshot of the Gunners’ squad as they head into a crucial Premier League clash. Though the piece is concise, it packs in the key information that fans and pundits alike want: who’s expected to take the field, which injuries could sway the game, and how Arteta’s tactics might shape the match. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the article’s content, broken into digestible sections.

1. The Setting

The article opens by situating the match: Arsenal’s home fixture at the Emirates Stadium, scheduled for Saturday, 19th September 2024 against Leicester City. It notes that the Gunners are chasing a top‑four finish, while Leicester is battling to avoid relegation. The author stresses that every selection will carry extra weight, as a win would keep Arsenal in the title hunt and a loss could dent their momentum.

2. Starting XI – The 4‑2‑3‑1 Blueprint

Arteta’s preferred formation for the game is the familiar 4‑2‑3‑1. The article lists the starting XI line‑up as follows:

The article highlights that the combination of Saka and Ødegaard on the flanks offers a dynamic attacking threat, while Rice and Xhaka provide stability in midfield. The author also mentions that Arteta has opted to start Gabriel Jesus instead of Leandro Trossard, citing Jesus’s recent form in pre‑season friendlies.

3. Injury and Absence Update

The injury list is succinct but crucial:

• Granit Xhaka (hamstring) – 12‑match absence; Arteta may use him as a substitute or a more defensive option if required.
• Nuno Tavares (knee) – out for 4‑6 weeks; the right‑back position is fully covered by Tierney.
• James Maddison (not part of Arsenal, but the article links to a separate Premier League injury report covering the opposition).

The article points out that Aaron Ramsdale suffered a minor ankle sprain during training but is fit to play. It also notes that Ben White has had a slight ankle soreness but is cleared to start.

4. Tactical Insights

The piece provides a tactical primer on how Arteta intends to use the starting XI:

• Defensive Solidity: With Gabriel and Cvitanovic in the centre, Arsenal will look to dominate the middle third, letting Rice control the tempo.
• High Pressing: The full‑backs, especially Tierney, will be tasked with overlapping runs to catch Leicester’s wingbacks on the ball.
• Midfield Creativity: Saka, Ødegaard, and Smith Rowe are expected to intermix the attack, using short passes and dribbles to break down Leicester’s defence.
• Counter‑Attack Threat: Gabriel Jesus is positioned to exploit the space behind Leicester’s defence, while his link‑up play with the wingbacks will add width.

The article cites a quote from Arteta during a recent press conference: “We’re going to play the game we’re comfortable with. That means a solid base, creativity at the flanks and quick transitions.”

5. Historical Context & Precedent

A sidebar in the article links to a prior Arsenal lineup preview for the Leicester vs. Arsenal fixture in March 2024. The author notes that in that game, Arsenal lost 1‑0 due to a defensive lapse. By referencing this, the piece underscores that Arteta’s current line‑up is designed to address the mistakes from that earlier match.

6. Key Player Spotlights

The article gives quick player spotlights:

• Bukayo Saka: 15 assists this season, known for his creativity and high pressing.
• Granit Xhaka: Despite his injury, he is praised for his ball‑winning ability and is expected to be a key part of the defensive setup if included.
• Gabriel Jesus: His experience in the Premier League (notably at Manchester United) will help him convert chances into goals.

The article also links to a separate Sporting News feature on Aaron Ramsdale’s goal‑keeping form this season, noting his 7 clean sheets.

7. Final Thoughts & Predictions

Sporting News rounds off the piece by offering a brief prediction: “Arsenal should be able to control the midfield and create chances on the flanks. Leicester’s defence will have a tough time against the duo of Saka and Ødegaard.”

The article closes with a reminder to tune in at 7:30 p.m. BST for kickoff and suggests checking the official Premier League website for live updates.

8. Additional Resources

Throughout the article, the author links to:

• Premier League Official Page – for live scores and match details.
• Arsenal’s Official Squad List – giving full player profiles.
• Sporting News “Team News” Archive – past line‑up previews for the club.

These links provide readers with deeper insight into the players’ statistics, injury history, and recent performances.

Summary

In essence, Sporting News delivers a clear, concise, and data‑rich preview that answers all the core questions: Who will start? What injuries could influence the game? How will Arteta deploy his squad? And why the specific players are chosen? By weaving in tactical analysis, historical context, and links to supplementary content, the article equips Arsenal supporters and neutral observers with everything they need to anticipate the match. Whether you’re a die‑hard Gunners fan or a neutral viewer, this summary gives you the essential information in a digestible format.