Following last week’s result at home against Dundalk, Arsenal struggled against an Irish Low-Block, which resulted in us having a lot of the ball. We can expect the same tonight from Moldë who will look to sit back and hit us on the counter-attack.
One man that will most definitely help break a low-block, is none other than Joe Willock who put in a man-of-the-match performance last week. He will need a few opportunities to get going, but when he does, the flair and skill he uses to express himself reminds Arsenal fans of a certain Aaron Ramsey. His quick dribbling and shoulder-drop expertise will be of use against stiff and stubborn Molde defence.
Another man who impresses whenever he gets minutes is Reiss Nelson. He was absolutely class against Dundalk last time out when we picked up the pace. His pace and play from the midfield are useful to have on the wing as he picks the ball up in space and runs at the opposition defence. Causing them to be in confusion and in awe of his skill.
Molde will look to break whenever they get the chance and will look to do so with star man Eirik Hestad, who attacks down the Molde right. His crossing ability is something to look out for as he has a 73% crossing accuracy and often picks out the no.9.
Arsenal will look to deal with the threat of the Molde front-three with the likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sead Kolasinac, Shkodran Mustafi and Cedric Soares. A pretty mobile defence with a lot of versatility and pace with Ainsley and Sead. Having 3 full-backs in the backline, as they did against Dundalk, will give maximum threat going forward along with a tonne of creativity and drive.
Points for Arsenal will almost surely be enough to qualify them for the knockouts with Rapid Wien and Molde strong favourites for the second spot in the group.
Fans of Arsenal have constantly been calling for 18-year-old youth striker Folarin Balogun to start tonight ahead of Alex Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah:
Start. Folarin Balogun. Today. @Arsenal.
— Bhavs (@bhavss14) November 5, 2020
The tenacity Balogun would bring to the Arsenal is very useful. He will be looking to get in behind and give 100% on his first start for the first-team and that’s always a positive as he will work his socks off.
We think Bukayo Saka will be deployed on the RW so he cuts in onto his left, but it is a 50/50 shout to rest him for the game against Villa on the weekend and instead start Nicolas Pepe for the good of his confidence and to get minutes into his legs.
The predicted lineup will see a few experienced players mixed with a few young heads as we play at home vs Molde tonight.
GK – Alex Runarsson
RB – Cedric Soares RCB – Shkodran Mustafi LCB – Sead Kolasinac LB – Ainsley Maitland-Niles
CDM – Granit Xhaka (c)
RCM – Joe Willock LCM – Dani Ceballos
RW – Bukayo Saka ST – Eddie Nketiah LW – Reiss Nelson
We think Arsenal will have a very similar game as they did against Dundalk, a load of frustration then joy after getting the first goal to lift momentum. Predicting another high-scoring win with goals from Saka, Nelson and Balogun. 4-0.
Follow @HaleEndArsenal on Twitter.
Passionate about the Arsenal, haven’t missed a single game since 2012, and would like to break through into the mainstream as I try to progress my career in the world of Sports Journalism.
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