Arsenal received a huge boost as Mikel Merino trained ahead of the PSG game despite missing last week’s Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace
Merino’s appetite for the big occasions will be needed again against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, even if this time his assignment comes with a different set of tactical instructions.
In the first leg against Real Madrid, when Arsenal dominated, most of Merino’s activity came in the final third and opposition box. In the second, when they spent long spells defending, he dropped into the low block, mostly operating in his own half but still making a decisive contribution offensively in the form of his two assists.
His tactical intelligence helped convince Arteta about his potential to thrive as a makeshift striker when Kai Havertz suffered his injury. “If anyone can adapt to a different position, it’s him,” he said in February. To quote his old team-mate Flano, “he also has the humility to understand what every game requires”.
It all adds up to a rare level of adaptability and versatility which makes Merino a weapon in a multitude of different scenarios, from game to game but also within games.
His displays up front have demonstrated his capacity to act as a focal point and penalty-box goal poacher, but he can be just as dangerous making late runs from midfield.
His goal in the 3-0 win over Real Madrid combined both elements. Before sweeping Myles Lewis-Skelly’s pass beyond Thibaut Courtois from just inside the box, Merino could be seen combining with Partey in the centre circle, then turning and releasing Rice before continuing his run.
The unpredictability of Merino’s movement caused Real Madrid problems and it could be key even in a different role on Tuesday, especially given Paris Saint-Germain have already had a look at Arsenal this season having faced them in the league phase, when they were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in October.
Luis Enrique’s side are stronger now, with Ousmane Dembele moving into the middle of their front three and January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia installed on the right. But the midfield is likely to be similar to the one used then and that is where Merino can help.
In Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain have an outstanding technician in the No 6 role but Arsenal won the physical battle in that last meeting and the added presence of Merino, who only appeared as a substitute that night, would enhance an already significant edge.
Partey’s absence means Declan Rice could be tasked with playing at the base of midfield, instead of his usual No8 role.
Mikel Merino would then drop into the midfield alongside Rice and captain Martin Odegaard, with Leandro Trossard leading the line.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to flank him on either wing, with the latter a second-half substitute in last week’s draw with Palace.
At the back, Mikel Arteta is expected to stick with the defence that kept Real Madrid quiet in the last round. That would mean another start for Jakub Kiwior alongside William Saliba in the heart of defence.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Kacurri, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Rice; Martinelli, Saka, Sterling and Trossard.
Injured: Calafiori (knee), Gabriel (hamstring), Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Jorginho (ribs), Tomiyasu (knee)