Arsenal travel to Catalonia to face Girona in their final Champions League league phase match, with Mikel Arteta’s side already assured of a place in the knockout rounds. The Gunners, having won five of their seven matches, are poised for a top-four finish, but with a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City looming, squad rotation could be on the cards.
A dominant 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb last week all but sealed Arsenal’s progression, and they followed that up with a gritty 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday. Confidence is high, but Arteta must carefully manage his squad, especially with key absentees including Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus.
Martin Ødegaard remains a doubt due to illness, while Ben White is nearing a return but won’t feature just yet. However, Raheem Sterling, Jakub Kiwior, and Mikel Merino could all be in line for starts.
Girona, meanwhile, have nothing but pride to play for, their Champions League campaign already over after picking up just three points in seven games. Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga is set to start, while Spurs loanee Bryan Gil misses out due to suspension. Injuries to Miguel Gutiérrez and Ladislav Krejci further limit Michel’s options.
With qualification secured, Arsenal’s focus may already be shifting to Sunday’s showdown with City. But Arteta will demand professionalism, and a strong finish in Europe could set the tone for what’s to come.
