Arsenal vs RC Lens - 29 Nov 2023
On November 29, Arsenal takes on Lens in the Champions League's Group B. The game will begin at 20:00.
Team News
Arsenal team news
Team to play Lens: Raya, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Subs: Ramsdale, Hein, White, Nketiah, Kiwior, Cedric, Trossard, Jorginho, Nelson, Elneny, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri.
Lens team news
Team to play Arsenal: Samba, Gradit, Danso, Medina, Frankoweki, Mendy, Samed, Haidara, Sotoca, Fulgini, Wahi.
Subs: Leca, Pandor, Aguilar, Machado, Pereira Da Costa, Diouf, Maouassa, Said, El Aynaoui, Khusanov, Thomasson.
During the thrashing of Brentford, Arsenal were without first-choice goalkeeper David Raya and fringe playmaker Fabio Vieira due to ineligibility and suspension, respectively. Other known injury victims included Thomas Partey (thigh), Jurrien Timber (knee), and Emile Smith Rowe (knee).
Raya, on loan from Brentford, is almost certain to put Ramsdale back on the bench following the Englishman's lack of confidence and a nervy performance at the weekend, while Arteta has confirmed that Vieira has suffered a groin injury. It was revealed that he sustained an injury in the club and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
It remains to be seen whether Havertz's winner at Brentford will be the catalyst needed to turn around the German's fortunes, but it remains to be seen if the Arsenal manager sees Jesus' suitability and is on the safe side. The player is certainly back in Arteta's considerations.
In keeping with the theme of indiscipline, an altercation between Lens striker Elye Wahi and Clermont's Alidu Seiduover the weekend saw both men given their marching orders, as was Lancers coach Pascal Gastien. The former is fine to play in this game, but he will be looking to repeat his winning goal in Lens' win over the Gunners last timeout.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Lens possible starting lineup:
Samba; Medina, Danso, Gradit; Aguilar, Abdul Samed, Mendy, Frankowski; Thomasson, Sotoca; Wahi