Arsenal at Girona preview: Finish strong

01/28/2025 03:00 PM

The Gunners enter the final day of the Champions League league stage in prime position for a top 8 finish

Arsenal FC head to the sunnier climes of Spain to face Girona in the final matchday of the Champions League league stage.

In keeping with the shake up of this season's new CL format, the final day of the league stage will see all 18 matches played at the same time, similar to the final day of a domestic league. On a day where there will be a handful of high-stakes matches with top 8 and playoff implications, Arsenal's isn't one of them. La Liga side Girona, with only 3 points, is already eliminated from a playoff spot and have little left to play for aside from pride.

For all of the chaos and intrigue it's designed to create, the final league match day leaves Arsenal in an alien position of comfort. Currently in 3rd place with 16 points, it would take an insane amount of misfortune to jeopardize the Gunners' ability to finish in the top 8. Not only would Arsenal have to lose, but they'd have to lose by a considerable margin for them to even worry about the slim chance of finishing in a playoff position.

The odds are slim, but they aren't zero, and with a major matchup against Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend, it's bound to give Mikel Arteta plenty to consider as he prepares for a showdown with his former boss.

Here are five talking points ahead of Wednesday's CL match:

Know the Enemy

Currently 8th in La Liga, Girona, part of the City Football Group, have had a brutal CL campaign. They've lost all but one of their 7 matches, with their lone victory coming against second-to-last club Slovan Bratislava.

Compounding their frustration is the fact that all of their losses have come by a single score, minus a 4-0 loss to PSV Eindhoven after going down to 10 men. They've held their own against the likes of PSG, Liverpool, and AC Milan. A few results break their way, and they may have found themselves with a much different fate. Defensively, they are pretty solid. Unfortunately for them, they have struggled to score goals, which are kind of important.

Their roster is littered with a who's-who of "oh yeah, I remember that guy" from the Premier League, including Daley Blind, Bryan Gil, Paulo Gazzaniga, Donny van de Beek, Oriel Romeo, and Arnaut Danjuma. There's enough talent to give Arsenal a headache if the Gunners decide to take their foot off the gas.

Girona also have the distinction of being this year's honorary side that Arsenal have never played before. So that's neat.

Last Time Out

Arsenal welcomed Dinamo Zagreb to the Emirates last week with a mission to solidify their spot in the upper echelon of the CL table, doing so in commanding fashion.

The Gunners swept the visitors away to the tune of a 3-0 win. Declan Rice's 3rd minute volley put Arsenal in front, and they never looked back. Second half goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard added a little insurance, as well as a little much needed confidence following the previous weekend's frustrating draw against Brighton.

Injuries & Suspensions

While the absurd red card for Miles Lewis Skelly throws a wrench in the gears of Arsenal's domestic play, the suspension has no effect on UEFA matches, which means he is available for selection on Wednesday.

Martin Ødegaard was a late scratch against Wolves with an illness while Mikel Merino also picked up a knock midweek that caused him to miss Saturday's match. Luckily, both returned to training this week. Even if they make the bench, that will be a big boost.

Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are back in training, but not yet match fit.

OUT: Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (ACL)

Predicted Lineup

Even though Wednesday is not a true dead rubber match, Mikel Arteta has the rare opportunity to rotate. With City ahead on the weekend, expect some changes.

Attack: Martinelli, Trossard, Sterling

It's been a minute since Trossard has played the false 9, but this match could see that come back into the fold. Kai Havertz collapsed from exhaustion after a dogged performance against Wolves and is overdue a rest. Sterling was an unused sub against Wolves, which means fresh legs and a chance to find some success in the CL.

Midfield: Merino, Jorginho, Nwaneri

Jorginho, for all of his lack of minutes this season, has been quality in the CL for Arsenal. His performance against Dinamo last week was a reminder of his quality and tactical acuity. Nwaneri was unfortunate to be the player hooked to make way for Calafiori against Wolves, but that gave him an extra half of rest coming off an injury. Merino's familiarity with La Liga is a plus.

Defense: Lewis Skelly, Kiwior, Saliba, Timber

Since he won't be available against City, there's no reason not to play Miles Lewis Skelly on Wednesday. Kiwior likely starts for Gabriel, while Saliba and Timber reprise their roles due to a lack of options at their positions.

Keeper: Neto

If ever there was a chance to give loanee Neto a start, Wednesday is it. Raya played lights out against Wolves, but deserves a chance to kick his feet up for a match.

Balance & Composure

The winter has proven tricky for the Gunners. It's been two steps forward, one step back. Every time they get some momentum, an injury or poor result has sprung up to keep them from making up ground.

Wednesday is a chance to take a step back in a positive way. After Sunday, the Gunners have a 10 day break to rest and recover. Suffice it to say, Sunday is a massive marker, and with CL safety all but assured, it'll be nice for them to play a match without the typical amount of stress. A win is always the goal, but knowing that a draw or even a close loss won't have any major bearing is freeing.

With the CL league stage wrapping up and January coming to a close, the Gunners can start looking ahead. February poses a handful of tough matches, but after weathering the January storm, Arsenal are battle tested and, as shown against Wolves, resilient like few other clubs. Managing the match is the name of the game on Wednesday, and then the fun really begins.

WHO: Arsenal at Girona
WHAT: Champions League league stage match 8
WHEN: Wednesday, January 29th, 3:00pm EST/12:00pm PST/8:00pm GMT
WHERE: Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming on the Paramount+ app

For all your international streaming needs, check LiveSoccerTV.com. Please do not discuss or share links to illegal streams here.