Arsenal predicted XI vs Lille: Eze and Gyokeres pushing for starts

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Lille could include opportunities for Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres as Mikel Arteta adjusts his options following injuries to Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi.

The Gunners host Lille at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off at 8pm BST, seeking a second Champions League victory after winning their opener at Napoli.

Arteta must balance those enforced absences with decisions over players who came off the bench in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Leeds United.

Arsenal predicted XI vs Lille

Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1

Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Merino; Saka, Odegaard, Eze; Gyokeres.

This is our selection forecast. The starting team will be confirmed before kick-off.

Hincapie and Zubimendi ruled out

Arteta confirmed on Monday that Hincapie and Zubimendi would miss the match after suffering ankle injuries during the post-match training session against Leeds.

Both were due to undergo further scans. William Saliba and Christos Tzolis also remain unavailable.

The double setback reduces Arteta’s scope to rotate, particularly on the left of defence and in central midfield.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is an option at left-back if Riccardo Calafiori is rested, while Mikel Merino could come into midfield alongside Declan Rice.

At right-back, Jurrien Timber offers an alternative to Ben White after coming on against Leeds. We expect Ezri Konsa and Gabriel to continue in the centre, with David Raya behind them.

Will Eze and Gyokeres start?

Eze and Gyokeres are our picks to come into the attack, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard retaining their places.

That would mean changes from the weekend, when Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz started and Gyokeres was introduced during the second half.

Bruno Guimaraes provides another midfield option after scoring the winner against Leeds. His contribution gives Arteta a further decision: reward that impact with a start or retain him as an option from the bench.

Our forecast includes Merino, but the competition for places means there is room for a different approach once Arteta settles on his team.

Lille lose Tiago Santos

Lille have confirmed that Tiago Santos suffered a complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture against Le Havre on Saturday.

The right-back was taken off after 17 minutes and will miss the trip to London.

His absence adds a defensive selection problem for the visitors as they prepare to face Arsenal.

For television coverage and streaming information, see our Arsenal vs Lille viewing guide.

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