Cedric Soares could start for Arsenal today vs Bodo/Glimt – TBR View

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Arsenal take on Norwegian giants Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League this evening, and Cedric Soares could start for the first time this season.

The Portugal international hasn’t played for the Gunners since the final game of last season in May. He has had injury issues to deal with this term, and that has limited him to zero appearances so far.

Cedric Soares could start for Arsenal today vs Bodo/Glimt

Arsenal are flying at the moment – both in the Premier League and Europe. Mikel Arteta will want to continue that good form this evening, but he’s expected to make plenty of changes.

When the two sides met last week, the Arsenal boss made eight changes in total. We expect something similar today as well, and that could open the door for a number of fringe players to get an opportunity

Ben White has made the right-back spot his own in the Premier League this season. He has been unbelievable, so much so that Takehiro Tomiyasu has become the second choice in that position.

The Japan international started at left-back against Liverpool on Sunday and finished the game as a left centre-half. With Gabriel Magalhaes in need of a break having played every game this season, Tomiyasu could take his place in the left side of central defence this evening.

That leaves the right-back spot up for grabs and Cedric could well get the nod from Arteta for the first time since the Premier League game against Everton back in May.

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Cedric is by no means the flashiest name in Arsenal’s squad, but he’s a good player. He’s very experienced at the top level, can play in both full-back positions and is an excellent crosser of the ball.

The £75,000-a-week defender, branded as ‘fantastic’, definitely doesn’t have a long-term future at Arsenal as both White and Tomiyasu are ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, with the Englishman in need of a rest and Tomiyasu an option now in a different position at the back, Arteta could well hand Cedric his first start of the season today.

The game at the Aspmyra Stadion this evening is scheduled to kick off at 05:45 pm UK time.