After finishing second in the last three consecutive Premier League seasons, Arsenal can’t afford to go without a major silverware this season.
Mikel Arteta has been handed money this summer to refresh the squad and has purchased six new players. Therefore, if the Gunners fail to win the Premier League or the Champions League this season, the Spaniard will come under a lot of pressure.
Arsenal have a tricky run of fixtures at the beginning of this season and will travel to Old Trafford to face off against Manchester United in the opening league game on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils endured a dire campaign last term and finished 15th in the league. However, they have signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko by spending big money. Therefore, they are expected to be an improved side this season.
Team news
Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber had some issues during the pre-season. But they are available to feature this weekend. However, there are some concerns about Leandro Trossard’s availability.
Arsenal have signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, and Viktor Gyokeres this summer, and they are all ready to feature in this game.
Predicted line-up
Despite signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arteta is likely to continue with David Raya in goal. Therefore, the former Chelsea man would have to make do with a place on the bench.
William Saliba and Gabriel are expected to be paired up in the centre-back position, while Ben White and Jurrien Timber might be the two fullbacks. In that case, Calafiori, Mosquera, Kiwior, and Myles Lewis-Skelly would have to settle for a place on the bench.
New signing Zubimendi should be in the deep-lying playmaker position with Declan Rice set to be alongside the former Real Sociedad star in the engine room. Martin Odegaard could commence in the CAM role. So, Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri may be among the substitutes.
Bukayo Saka should be on the right flank, and Madueke might be on the opposite side ahead of Gabriel Martinelli. Gyokeres is expected to make his competitive debut for Arsenal in this game. Therefore, Kai Havertz may feature off the bench if needed.
Expected Arsenal line-up vs Man Utd
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke
