ARSENAL are looking to make it back-to-back friendly wins when they face off against AC Milan tomorrow in the Dubai Super Cup.
The Premier League leaders took a comfortable victory against Lyon last week in their first game since the World Cup break.
Mikel Arteta has some decisions to make as more players return from the World Cup
Ben White left the England squad early for personal reasons
Thomas Partey could be back in the starting line-up after Ghana’s World Cup group stage exit
Milan could prove to be a tougher opposition but Ben White, Thomas Partey and Matt Turner are all expected to be back after their World Cup adventures.
It is possible Mikel Arteta will turn to all three immediately as he looks to build up match fitness with the second-half of the Premier League season fast approaching.
The Arsenal boss played his strongest possible team for the 3-0 victory against Lyon before turning to youngsters in the second-half.
He will likely opt to do so again to get crucial minutes under the belts of players who either did not go to the World Cup or who did not get many minutes.
American goalie Matt Turner could come in immediately despite third-choice keeper Karl Hein saving four penalties against Lyon in a baffling end-of-game shootout.
Thomas Partey – who saw his Ghana side leave Qatar at the end of the group stage – could also be introduced.
While Ben White is likely to start after failing to get on the pitch in the World Cup before prematurely leaving the England squad.
Arteta may otherwise opt to stay faithful to the team that beat Lyon as he waits for other big names such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to return.
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Mikel Arteta could stick closely to the team that beat Lyon
Alternatively, the Gunners manager may opt for a different approach.
Following the positive performance, Arteta may look to stick to fringe players such as Rob Holding and Albert Sambi Lokonga and ease senior players back into the side.
He might also wish to give a start to youngster Marquinhos.
The 19-year-old has shown flashes of quality in his Europa League appearances and will be looking for more football in the second-half of the season.
Along with Lyon and AC Milan, Liverpool are also competing for the Dubai Super Cup – but Arsenal will not face the Merseyside club.
They play Juventus after Milan before their Premier League season resumes.
They head into their Boxing Day clash with West Ham with a five-point lead over Manchester City.
