Arsenal return to Champions League action on Tuesday when they travel to Prague to take on Czech powerhouse Slavia Prague for the 4th match day of the Champions League league phase. It is the second of a crucial
three match stretch on the road for the Gunners before the impending international break.
The last time Arsenal faced Slavia Prague away from the Emirates was during the Europa League in 2021. It was a match best remembered for the indelible mark it left on the footballing culture when Alexander Lacazette and the Arsenal side took a knee in front of the Slavia players following racist abuse toward Glen Kamara by Slavia defender Ondrej Kudela. The image of the striker stoically staring down the Slavia side arm-in-arm became a statement moment during a time of racial tension, and one that gave us an image that still serves as a reminder of the larger scope of the game.
This match may not carry the same level of cultural weight, but it is still ever important. The Gunners enter with a chance to further cement a spot in the top 8 after they pasted Atletico Madrid 4-0 last time out. Arsenal are the in-form side in Europe, and have gotten there with an elite defense and an iron-clad, resolute identity on the pitch. With their sights set on securing a top 8 finish, a 4th straight win would put them at 12 points and in solid position to avoid a two-legged playoff. Matches against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan loom, so points from the less toothsome foes are crucial.
The matches around them will also have major ramifications on the makeup of the teams at the top. Bayern Munich face Paris St. Germaine while Liverpool face Real Madrid in the marquee matchups of the 4th match day. Arsenal have an opportunity to capitalize on potentially favorable results, but they have take care of business on their end first.
Can the Gunners keep the wins coming as they reach the halfway mark of the league phase? Here are three talking points ahead of Tuesday’s match:
Know the Enemy
Slavia Prague enter the match atop the Czech First League. They have yet to lose a league match through 14 matches, and are in pursuit of a second consecutive domestic title after winning it for the third time in five seasons in 2024/25.
Their Champions League campaign has not been quite as successful. Through three matches, they find themselves in 28th place on 2 points, four spots off the final spot of the knockout places. After drawing 2-2 with Bødo/Glimt in their opening match, they were beaten 3-0 by Inter Milan, followed by a goalless draw against Atalanta.
The league phase set-up puts a huge emphasis on results. Teams cannot afford to play it safe, which is both a blessing and a curse for teams like Slavia Prague. Stylistically, they are aggressive and play fast in transition. Their reliance on wingbacks pushing the ball into wide positions for crosses means the physical Arsenal back line will be tested in the air. Defensively, they aim to disrupt passing lanes and use their organized press to win the ball back high up the pitch.
For the Gunners, that is often a style that plays into their hand. Opponents this season have opted to sit deep, forcing the Gunners to methodically poke and prod before making their move. There is little doubt that Slavia is aware of what Arsenal do and the challenge they pose, but will they stick to their usual tactics against one of the few teams that can take advantage of it in hopes of landing an early punch? That is the question.
Injuries & Suspensions
After picking up his third yellow card of the CL league phase against Atletico Madrid, Martin Zubimendi will miss Tuesday’s match with a one-match suspension. It’s a huge blow to the midfield. At the very least, he avoids a possible suspension against Bayern Munich in three weeks. Declan Rice enters the match on two yellow cards, which means he could potentially miss the Bayern Munich match if he receives a yellow on Tuesday.
Also missing the match will be Gabriel Martinelli, who picked up a groin strain against Crystal Palace. He has missed the last two matches for the Gunners, with no timeline set by Mikel Arteta for his return.
Viktor Gyökeres came off at halftime against Burnley after a commanding first-half performance, with Arteta stating that he felt a small niggle. Considering he was seen on the bench in the second half and didn’t have on any ice packs or bandaging, there is hope that it was purely precautionary.
OUT: Gabriel Martinelli (groin), Kai Havertz (knee), Noni Madueke (knee), Martin Ødegaard (MCL), Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Martin Zubimendi (yellow card accumulation)
Predicted Lineup
Attack: Trossard, Gyökeres, Saka
Martinelli has been in excellent form in the CL, but unfortunately looks likely to miss the trip as he recovers. Leandro Trossard is set to take his spot, which means Arteta will roll out his Premier League attacking lineup. Until anything definitive is reported about Viktor Gyökeres, he is the main man up top. If Arteta doesn’t want to risk it, we could see the rare Mikel Merino cameo at striker. Bukayo Saka retains his spot on the right, because Saka.
Midfield: Rice, Nørgaard, Eze
Martin Zubimendi’s absence could see one of two possibilities: Declan Rice drops to the 6 with Mikel Merino coming in, or Christian Nørgaard starts at the 6. Considering Rice’s MOTM performance at Burnley, it would be a shame to shunt him to a deeper role. Nørgaard is a PL veteran who got his first start midweek and came in late against Burnley. He has enough quality to deputize for Zubi in the time being. Eberechi Eze starts at the 10 once again.
Defense: Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber
The left-back spot has a lot of depth, and considering Myles Lewis-Skelly saw only a handful of minutes on Saturday, I expect he will get a start on Tuesday. It wouldn’t be terribly surprising if a few players in the defense got a bit of rest and rotation, but the need to secure another 3 points in the league phase is too important to risk. I imagine the Gunners will start a strong back 4 and then rotate as needed depending on the game state.
Keeper: Raya
There isn’t much to say about the keeper spot. David Raya is the unquestioned starter. Full stop.
After three wins from three, Arsenal are one of four clubs with a perfect start to their Champions League campaign so far. A 4th win would be tremendous with two giants coming up after the break. Arsenal have been as solid as you could ask for in their opening slate, but the job is far from done. Slavia Prague will be desperate to claw out of the elimination zone, and their home atmosphere will undoubtedly reflect that. Arsenal’s recent history with the club carries the sort of tension that makes a match like this more than just about the result. Keeping their composure will be paramount if they look to extend their winning run and secure their spot among the top sides.
WHO: Arsenal at Slavia Prague
WHAT: Champions League league phase match day 4
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th, 12:45pm EST/9:45am PST/5:45pm GMT
WHERE: Fortuna Arena, Prague
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming on the Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video apps
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