Slavia Prague vs Arsenal preview: Saliba return boosts Arteta as Gunners weigh changes, predicted line-ups and prediction

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Arsenal head to Slavia Prague on Wednesday with William Saliba back in training and another Champions League victory in their sights after Sunday’s win at Liverpool.

This Slavia Prague vs Arsenal preview covers the latest injury news, predicted line-ups and our score prediction. The league-phase match kicks off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 4 November at the Fortuna Arena.

Mikel Arteta’s side have seven points from three European matches. Slavia are still seeking their first victory, having collected one point from their opening three games.

Arsenal face a balancing act after Anfield win

The 1-0 victory over Liverpool gives Arsenal encouragement before another away assignment, but Arteta must decide how much to change with the fixtures coming quickly.

There is a distinction between refreshing the side and disrupting it. Keeping a familiar central defensive partnership would allow changes further forward without removing the understanding that helps Arsenal control matches.

Slavia approach the game after beating Jablonec 5-0. Their European results have been less convincing, but Arsenal should expect an opponent prepared to challenge them physically and compete for second balls.

Slavia Prague vs Arsenal team news

Saliba returned to full training on Tuesday and is reported to be in Arsenal’s travelling squad following his back injury. That is a significant step towards his comeback, although it does not confirm a starting place.

Bukayo Saka remains sidelined with a quad injury. Eberechi Eze’s fitness is also a concern, while Max Dowman is available for European selection despite his domestic suspension.

For Slavia, Lukas Provod and Ange N’Guessan are doubts. Ivan Schranz has been affected by illness.

The hosts have published their own assessment of Arsenal ahead of the meeting. Further European coverage is available on our football page.

Slavia Prague vs Arsenal predicted line-ups

These are Dave.Sport’s predicted teams, not confirmed starting line-ups.

Slavia Prague predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Domchak; Vlcek, Holes, Zima; Suleiman, Moses, Sadilek, Kubiak; Ayaosi, Sturm; Nowak.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Dowman, Odegaard, Tzolis; Gyokeres.

We expect Konsa and Gabriel to continue rather than Saliba being rushed straight into the starting side. White, Hincapie and Gyokeres would offer rotation, while Rice and Odegaard would preserve experience through the middle.

Dowman is our selection on the right, with Madueke another option. Eze’s fitness uncertainty means he is not included in our predicted XI.

Where Arsenal can take control

Arsenal need to move Slavia’s midfield before trying to play through it. Forcing passes into crowded central areas would give the hosts opportunities to counter and bring the crowd into the contest.

Odegaard’s positioning could be important. If he can receive beyond Slavia’s first line of pressure, Arsenal should be able to bring their wide players into the game closer to goal.

Dave.Sport prediction: Slavia Prague 0-2 Arsenal

We expect Arsenal’s defensive organisation to provide the platform for another away win. Slavia’s domestic form warrants respect, but the visitors have the stronger options to change the game if the opening stages are tight.

Our prediction is a controlled Arsenal victory, with patience more important than chasing an early breakthrough.

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