Arsenal were handed a one-nil defeat by arch-rival Tottenham Hotspur in their last pre-season game. They didn’t look any better during their other outings as well. Mikel Arteta will be hoping his club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starts firing on all cylinders as they travel to newly-promoted Brentford on Friday.
The Spanish manager will be without Thomas Partey, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel in their first few games. He will hope for his summer accusations, Alber Sambi Lokonga and Ben White, to start the ground running from the get-go.
Predicted 4-2-1-3 Line Up For Arsenal
Defence
Berndt Leno was sublime during Gunner’s friendly clash against Spurs. He is expected to start ahead between the sticks and will be hoping for better distribution of the ball this term around. As Rob Holding fights against time to be fit, new Signing Ben White is expected to partner Spaniard Pablo Mari at the centre back spots.
Kieran Tierney will be the first name in the team sheet as he continues to impress down the left-hand side of the defence. Tierney has been instrumental for Arsenal throughout the last season. Mikel Arteta would be hoping for more of the same from his Scottish defender. Calum Chambers, Cedric Soares and Hector Bellerin, all started at least a game each during the pre-season. However, Calum Chambers looks like the first choice at right-back with his defensive capabilities against the newly promoted Brentford.
Brazillian defender Gabriel will be sidelined for a few more weeks, while Nuno Tavares will probably find a spot on the bench.
Midfield
Thomas Partey picked up an injury against Chelsea during The Mind Series games and is certain to miss the Premier League opener. Granit Xhaka looks set to stay at Arsenal amongst AS Roma interests. He will be the first choice in the deep-lying playmaker role for Arsenal with his passing range and robust approach. Xhaka will be partnered with Alber Sambi Lokonga, who looks set to debut for the Gunners against Brentford.
Emile Smith Rowe impressed during the pre-season games and he looks certain to start at the central attacking midfield role. He will be hoping to replicate his performances from last season and make a mark for his side.
Mohamed Elneny will be starting the game from the bench and will probably be utilized in the second half by Arteta to compose the midfield.
Attack
Club captain Aubameyang is presumed to be deployed on the left wing to accommodate Lacazette through the middle. While the charismatic approach of the two strikers initially showed promise, they are yet to deliver their best at the Emirates.
Nicola Pepe looks certain to start at the right-wing spot after some catchy displays during the pre-season games. He will look forward to carrying on his late-season form into this new season.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are expected to be on the bench having arrived at training late after their national team duties.
