Last season it was not necessarily the head-to-head clashes with City that cost Arsenal their shot at a first title in nearly two decades. Instead it was slip ups in games that looked perfectly winnable on paper. Arteta will be hopeful that his team's Champions League campaign will not be derailed by such complacency this time around.
Lens sit 15th in Ligue 1 and are not seen as having a cat in hell's chance of getting anything from this. Arteta will be all too aware that this is the home side's biggest game in over 20 years, and will want to pick a side capable of dealing with what is likely to be a ferocious atmosphere. Here football.london takes a look at who the Spaniard might opt for in his starting XI on Tuesday night.
Goalkeeper - David Raya
David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale
Some might say Aaron Ramsdale should come back in for this one as it's a cup game. Mikel Arteta does not seem to be of that persuasion however. The Arsenal boss showed against PSV how seriously he intends to take these Champions League group stage matches, and you can expect him to pick his first choice stopper as a result. 1 of 11
Right back - Ben White
Ben White
Mikel Arteta chose to rotate his side across the course of last week, but one of the few who started all three matches was Ben White. The 25-year-old is a superb athlete and will likely be called upon again to start this game in France. (Image: Stuart MacFarlane) 2 of 11
Centre back - William Saliba
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: William Saliba of Arsenal is challenged by Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Back in his home country, William Saliba might have a point to prove to the watching public over his chances of starting for the French national team. His form for Arsenal so far this season has certainly justified that case. 3 of 11
Centre back - Gabriel
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 22: (L-R) Gabriel and Mo Elneny of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on May 22, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Brazilian has been absolutely sublime since Thomas Partey's injury thrust him back into the team last month. Now that the Ghanaian is fit again, his place may be under threat, but you would expect him to start this one. 4
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