Arsenal
Arsenal’s Possible Starting XI To Play Against Liverpool
Arsenal will face Liverpool at the Emirates this Saturday in what would certainly be an enthralling contest between two sides who find themselves in an unfamiliar position. The Gunners after 9 game weeks are at the top of the table with two points clear of Liverpool who are tied on points with Chelsea.
The Suarez + Sturridge combination has bolstered Liverpool’s mediocre attacking status into a world class one, which will come up against an organised yet fragile back line of the Gunners. Arsenal meanwhile will be without midfield enforcer Mathieu Flamini who has been such revelation since his arrival in the summer. The Likes of Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Wojciech Szczęsny, Bacary Sagna and others who were rested should be back in the side and along with Mikel Arteta who was suspeneded for Chelsea’s game after his sending off at Crystal Palace last week.
Can the Gunners take all three points against Liverpool?
So here is the possible XI that Arsene Wenger might field against Liverpool:
Wojciech Szczęsny:
Man of the match against Crystal Palace and a deserved one too. Saved a couple of crucial shots to keep the Gunners in the match and should retain his place after being rested for the Capital One Clash.
Kieran Gibbs:
No questions here. Gibbs although fails to retain his position after going forward sometimes, has the capability to understand the game and make crucial interceptions and especially when Suarez or Sturridge is on the opposition side you will need to the England International.
Per Mertesacker:
The German was given a much needed rest against Chelsea and should retain his familiar center-back position which he has made his own. Although lacking pace, his positioning and organization at the back will be crucial for Arsenal.
Laurent Koscielny:
The tireless French worker played in the midweek game as well and should retain his partnership with Mertesacker against the Reds.
Bacary Sagna:
Although he is a shadow of the player he once was, Sagna is still capable to perform on the biggest of stages. His contribution in the attacking front has significantly reduced in the recent times, but defensively he is solid as always. Had a good game both in defending and attacking wise against palace and should retain his starting berth.
Mikel Arteta:
Had a good game against Palace last weekend scoring Arsenal’s opening goal, but was sent off harshly when he had a clash with former Arsenal striker Chamakh. With Flamini out injured, Arteta’s presence in the midfield will be highly crucial. The former Everton man has faced Liverpool many a times in the Merseyside derby and should be aware of the attacking threats they posses.
Aaron Ramsey:
Arsenal’s rejuvenated midfielder will continue to play alongside Arteta in Flamini’s absence. He will certainly be a key figure in the midfield and will have the responsibility to carry the attack forward and also to drop back and do the dirty work.
Jack Wilshere:
The England International although not very comfortable to play on the wings, will have to do so as the Gunners cannot risk playing youngster Gnabry in such a big game. But with Arsenal’s policy to rotate their attacking players’ position constantly it should not be a problem.
Mesut Ozil:
Played the final 30 minutes against Chelsea after being given a much needed rest. The German will be the key man if Arsenal are to pick up all three points from the game.
Santi Cazorla:
The Spaniard is back to his very best. Although not an effective game against Chelsea he showed glimpses of his potential and finesse footwork which Arsenal have missed in the recent times. His partnership alongside Ozil and Ramsey will be a treat for the eyes.
Olivier Giroud:
The French International has contributed to Arsenal’s cause immensely this season and will continue to spear hear the attack in front of the world class midfielder he has been blessed with.
Do you guys agree with the line-up? Who do you think will start the game?
Arsenal and the Rwanda Development Board have mutually agreed to terminate their controversial sleeve sponsorship when the current season concludes in June 2026. The partnership, which made Visit Rwanda Arsenal’s first-ever sleeve partner in 2018, will end after eight seasons amid ongoing criticism about Rwanda spending millions on Premier League advertising while facing poverty challenges domestically.
Financial Success Justifies Rwandan Investment
Rwanda’s tourism revenues increased 47% since the partnership began, reaching $650 million in 2024 with visitor arrivals hitting 1.3 million. These figures vindicate the Rwanda Development Board’s decision to invest heavily in Arsenal’s global platform despite fierce backlash when the deal was initially announced.
Jean-Guy Afrika, Rwanda Development Board CEO, acknowledged the partnership’s groundbreaking impact. “It broke new ground for tourism boards around the world, driving awareness and visitation for Rwandan tourism at a pace traditional campaigns could never match.”
The collaboration included Arsenal Heritage Day at Emirates Stadium and visits from club legends including Alex Scott, Mathieu Flamini, and Bacary Sagna, alongside current players Jurrien Timber, Caitlin Foord, and Katie McCabe. They experienced Rwanda’s mountain gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris in Akagera, and participated in the annual Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony.
Strategic Pivot to LA Rams and SoFi Stadium
Rwanda’s decision reflects broader strategy to diversify sports partnerships beyond football. The nation recently partnered with LA Rams and SoFi Stadium through the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Group, signaling expansion into American markets.
Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick emphasized the partnership’s financial importance. “The commitment and support of Visit Rwanda throughout our partnership has played an important role in driving forward our ambitions – helping us invest in our long-term vision to win major trophies, in a financially sustainable way.”
Rwanda remains committed through the remainder of the 2025-26 season, with Visit Rwanda continuing as sleeve sponsor for Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams until June 2026.
Read More: Bukayo Saka Names Former Arsenal Star as Best Player He’s Played With Despite Kane and Rice Options
Arsenal Dragon
Double Injury Blow: Arsenal Attacker Suffers Setback as Gabriel Magalhaes Faces Potential Two-Month Absence
Arsenal have been dealt a devastating double injury blow during the international break, with Kai Havertz suffering a minor relapse and Gabriel Magalhaes potentially sidelined for two months with a thigh injury sustained representing Brazil.
Havertz’s Return Delayed Until Year’s End
Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Havertz has experienced complications in his recovery from August’s knee surgery. “Kai had a minor relapse on his injury, but overall, he’s doing well. He is expected to return towards the end of the year,” the Germany manager stated after his side’s 6-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Slovakia.
The setback eliminates any possibility of Havertz featuring in Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham. The 26-year-old has been restricted to just one appearance this season, playing 30 minutes in Arsenal’s opening-day victory over Manchester United before undergoing a “minor surgical procedure” on his knee.
Havertz initially targeted mid-November for his comeback after spending three months on the treatment table. This latest relapse extends his absence through December, forcing Arsenal to continue relying on Mikel Merino as an auxiliary striker option.
Gabriel’s Thigh Injury Compounds Crisis
Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a thigh injury during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal, with early indications suggesting a one-to-two month absence. The Brazilian defender has arguably been Arsenal’s most important performer this season, making his potential absence devastating for Mikel Arteta’s title ambitions.
Arsenal face a congested fixture schedule through the festive period without two crucial first-team players. Viktor Gyokeres remains doubtful for the derby with his own hamstring problem, while Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out of Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Norway with a thigh issue.
The injury crisis leaves Arsenal dangerously thin across multiple positions heading into the busiest period of the season. Arteta must navigate crucial matches against Tottenham, Manchester City, and Liverpool while managing an increasingly depleted squad.
Read More: (Video and Photos) Watch Mikel Merino’s Impressive Choices as he Goes Jersey Shopping
Arsenal Women will be looking to end a three-game winless run when they welcome Real Madrid Women to Meadow Park for Wednesday’s Women’s Champions League contest. As for Las Blancas, they will be desperate to bounce back from Saturday’s heavy defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico.
Arsenal Women vs. Real Madrid Women: Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Women (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Hinds; Pelova, Cooney-Cross; Mead, Caldentey, Foord; Russo
Real Madrid Femenino (4-2-3-1): Misa; Navarro, Mendez, Lakrar, Holmgaard; Angeldal, Dabritz; Feller, Weir, Caicedo; Redondo
Also read: Ailing Katie Reid Receives Words of Consolation From Arsenal Loanee Suffering From Same Injury
Match Preview
Arsenal have struggled for consistency this season, recording five wins, four draws and three defeats in 12 competitive matches. The Gunners have gone three games without a win since their 4-1 victory over Leicester City at the start of the month.
They played out draws against Chelsea and Tottenham, either side of a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Bayern Munich on matchday three. Renee Slegers’s side gave up a two-goal lead in Germany, representing their second European defeat after losing 2-1 to Lyon in their first outing.
The reigning European champions sit in 11th place and just a point ahead of teams outside the top 12. Arsenal can take confidence from already beating Real Madrid on home soil this year, claiming a 3-0 victory to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in March’s quarter-final clash.
Fifth-placed Real Madrid are comfortably inside the top 12 and eyeing a top-four spot. Las Blancas started with a 6-2 victory over Roma, before edging out PSG 2-1 in France. Pau Quesada’s side looked set to fall to their first European defeat against Paris FC, before Caroline Weir rescued her side with a 98th-minute equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw.
Weir saw her penalty saved in Saturday’s El Clasico against Barcelona. The Blaugrana went on to score two late goals to wrap up a 4-0 victory, dropping Real Madrid to fourth position in the Liga F table.
Team News
Arsenal remain without Manuela Zinsberger, Katie Reid, Leah Williamson and Kim Little. Victoria Pelova could earn a recall after dropping to the bench against Tottenham.
Real Madrid travel without Merle Frohms, Antonia, Sandie Toletti and Signe Bruun. Sara Holmgaard could return at left-back, while Alba Redondo is pushing for a recall.
Kick-off: 8:00 PM Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Venue: Meadow Park, Borehamwood
TV: Disney+ (UK) | Paramount+ (USA)
Also read: 3 Things We Learned From Arsenal Women’s Frustrating 0-0 Draw Against Tottenham Women
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