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No Smith Rowe as Partey returns – My Arsenal line-up vs Norwich

By mac14 on February 9, 2022

Arsenal can close in on the top four with a win over Wolves at Molineux on Thursday night. This is the line-up I’d like to see Mikel Arteta select for the match…

Obviously Aaron Ramsdale should keep his place in goal so Bernd Leno will have to make-do with a place on the bench once again.

Arsenal have been handed a huge boost as Takehiro Tomiyasu is back in full training. The Japan international shouldn’t be rushed back as he’s been carrying a niggling calf injury. However, as long as he’s fit, he starts at right-back.

That will allow Ben White to start alongside Gabriel in the middle of defence. Kieran Tierney will line-up at left-back ahead of Nuno Tavares once again.

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in midfield as Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are back in contention. The pair have served their suspensions so are available to return tomorrow.

Partey returns

It will be a big boost to have them back, particularly Partey as he was just starting to show his true form before picking up a suspension. Albert Sambi Lokonga will drop to the bench and he might be joined by Mo Elneny – who’s back from the AFCON.

Martin Odegaard has been in excellent form for Arsenal lately so he deserves to keep his place in the No.10 role. Gabriel Martinelli should also start on the left flank as he’s been a revelation in recent months.

Unfortunately, that means Emile Smith Rowe will have to settle for a place on the bench against Wolves. But he’ll be a big threat to have in the second half.

Bukayo Saka should obviously start on the right wing while Alexandre Lacazette will lead the line up front for Arsenal. The onus is on the Frenchman to score goals during the second half of the season after we failed to sign a new striker in the January window.

Nicolas Pepe is available again after returning from international duty but he’ll be on the bench along with Eddie Nketiah.

Here is the side I hope we see: