Manchester City were missing a number of key players in Sunday’s goalless draw with Arsenal – including Ederson, John Stones and Kyle Walker.
But while the backline was low on numbers for the clash, they will mostly rue their lack of attacking vigour, having managed just one shot on target and failing to score in a home Premier League game for the first time since October 2021.
David Raya can of course continue in goal. The Spaniard was scrutinised for his distribution against Man City which saw him go long, looking for Jesus and Havertz who have good ability to win aerial duels. But be assured, a return to the slick, short passing will be present this midweek.
Into the defence and Ben White and William Saliba are more than good to continue in the back line but Gabriel Magalhaes was rushed back after pulling out of action with Brazil and a rest here with Takehiro Tomiyasu available would make sense. Jakub Kiwior can also be swapped out for Oleksandr Zinchenko to offer a different style of option and give the Gunners more progression on the left.
Into midfield and the return of Thomas Partey is a welcome one; he needs minutes and Luton appears the perfect game to give them to him. Jorginho’s game time needs to be managed and swapping the pair for this game to partner the ever-present Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard makes a lot of sense.
Kai Havertz needs to continue at centre-forward as his strong form continues to impress. He may have started both games for Germany during the break but his athleticism is one of his strongest assets and having him maintain his spot against a physical and aerially dominant Luton side is imperative.
Into the wide areas, Bukayo Saka came off against Man City with what Mikel Arteta described as fatigue. With that in mind, resting Saka ahead of the weekend clash is definitely preferred but without a recognisable right-wing deputy, it makes sense for Jesus to instead make the switch to the right-hand side.
On the left, Martinelli who came off the bench against City could indeed start here; if not, it makes sense for Leandro Trossard to come in. But getting Martinelli back up to full fitness with a start here is maybe the right call.
Arsenal potential XI vs Luton Town:Â Raya; White, Saliba, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli.
