Arsenal will look to turn their fortunes around this season when they take on Brentford this Friday and here is the team news and predicted lineup.
The north Londoners had two consecutive eighth-place finishes in the Premier League. They have also missed out on European football for the first time in 25 years and all eyes will be on Mikel Arteta going into the new season. Many fans are skeptical about the team’s progress under the Spaniard.
Their preparations for the new campaign haven’t gone according to plan. They had their trip to Florida canceled and endured a tough preseason, which ended with a defeat in the North London derby.
Arsenal will miss a few key names in the season opener due to injuries and fitness. Thomas Partey has been ruled out of action for three weeks due to an ankle injury he suffered during the Chelsea game. Gabriel will also not be a part of the squad, as he is still recovering from an injury sustained to his right knee. Eddie Nketiah will only return to training in four weeks after sustaining a bruising to his right knee.
Bernd Leno is poised to start in goal. The decision to play the German is a no-brainer considering the fact that the Emirates club haven’t managed to sign a backup goalkeeper.
Kieran Tierney has pretty much cemented his place on the left side of the defense. Pablo Mari is the second-best option as a left-footed center back and he will continue to retain his spot until Gabriel’s return.
The £50million signing, Ben White could be handed his first competitive debut on Friday. Callum Chambers did a decent job to fill in as a right-back last season. Unless the Gunners bring in a new fullback, Chambers is the best option they have at their disposal.
Granit Xhaka was heavily linked with a move away this summer. But the Switzerland international is likely to stay put and should be a constant presence in the midfield throughout the season.
Another debutant of the day could be Albert Sambi Lokonga. He looked quite solid in the friendlies. Arteta would be tempted to start him over Mohamed Elneny. Emile Smith Rowe was a revelation last season. The youngster will be a crucial player in the midfield set up this campaign.
Nicolas Pepe finished last season with a flourish. He should start on the right flank and will be hoping to continue his fine form. Bukayo Saka had a roller coaster of a summer but the youngster has had plenty of rest and should to raring to go again. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could lead the attack. He had a very poor season by his high standards. Arsenal need more from their captain this season.
Arsenal predicted lineup against Brentford:
Bernd Leno, Calum Chambers, Ben White, Pablo Mari, Kieran Tierney, Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Emile Smith-Rowe, Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
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