Saliba decision, Nwaneri finally starts, Saka call – Arsenal lineups vs Shakhtar Donetsk

The big question that emerged from the game with Bournemouth was how are Arsenal going to continue to cope without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. The lack of creativity is glaring and against Shakhtar Donetsk Mikel Arteta has a choice.

Should Saka still be out then I would instead this time opt for Gabriel Jesus here too. Perhaps Saka might still make the bench but managing his readiness ahead of Liverpool is massive and necessary.

I think Arsenal will be glad to have the chance to put Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth behind them quickly against a Shakhtar Donetsk team they'll fancy their chances of beating. That doesn't mean I wouldn't make changes though.

I think much of the backline picks itself really due to a lack of available options. I think you could argue that Oleksandr Zinchenko should start this one at left-back with Riccardo Calafiori needed to face Liverpool this weekend.

Mikel Arteta gives early Arsenal hint at Liverpool plan after William Saliba red card

On the wings I'm playing Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus. The pair deserve their opportunities and with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka both injury concerns I think it's the right time to play them.

Up front it's the usual duo of Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard. The pair dovetail nicely as a striking partnership and I'd love to see them back for this one.

Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Shakhtar Donetsk - Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Sterling, Rice, Jorginho, Jesus; Havertz, Trossard.