Get ready for a thrilling showdown as Arsenal gears up to face Slavia Prague in Matchday Four of the Champions League—but here’s where it gets intriguing: Mikel Arteta has shaken things up with four bold changes to his starting lineup. The spotlight falls on Christian Norgaard, who steps in for the suspended Martin Zubimendi, while young talent Ethan Nwaneri makes his first European start of the season, pushing Eberechi Eze to the bench. And this is the part most people miss: Viktor Gyokeres’ weekend injury means Mikel Merino leads the attack, with Piero Hincapie replacing Riccardo Calafiori in defense. Could these moves be the game-changer Arsenal needs? Meanwhile, Slavia Prague isn’t holding back either, making two strategic changes after their 2-0 victory over Banik Ostrava. Greek midfielder Christos Zafeiris returns, and Youssoupha Mbodji slots in as left wing-back, leaving Mojmir Chytil on the bench. But here’s the controversial question: Are Arteta’s lineup tweaks a masterstroke or a risky gamble? With Kepa Arrizabalaga injured, Arsenal’s bench includes goalkeepers Tommy Setford and Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko, alongside Max Dowman, Charles Sagoe Jr, and Andre Harriman-Annous. Slavia’s substitutes feature the likes of Stanislav Tecl and David Zima, ready to make an impact. As the whistle nears, dive into our match preview for Slavia’s season insights, tactical breakdowns, and TV details. What’s your take on Arteta’s decisions? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just heating up! (https://www.arsenal.com/news/preview-slavia-prague-v-arsenal) © 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Quotations permitted with credit to www.arsenal.com.
