Arsenal will play their first match of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, against newly promoted side Brentford on the 14th of August at the Emirates Stadium.
As the last season was an utter disappointment for the Gunners, Mikel Arteta will be looking for a much improved Premier League campaign this season. Arteta can also play in his dream ‘4-3-3’ formation, which he first decided, when he was appointed as the Arsenal manager in December 2019. But to due injury crisis and the option of not having a Number 8, Mikel was forced to play in ‘4-2-3-1’ or ‘3-4-3’ formation most of the time.
But now things look to be different for the North London club as they are eyeing a move Leicester midfielder James Maddison. Maddison is an attacking midfielder, but he is also capable to play as a number 8. In Brendan Rodgers ‘4-1-4-1’ formation, Maddison used to play as a box-to-box midfielder. He can get forward and play excellent passes to attackers.
Maddison will fit right in Mikel’s ‘4-3-3’ formations, where he can play in the midfield alongside Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, or Albert Sambi Lokonga.
As of now, as per English Journalist Chris Wheatley, Arsenal have opened talks for the midfielder, by offering a player-plus-cash deal. Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson, and Ainsley Maitland Niles are rumoured to be offered to Leicester City. The negotiations are said to be ‘slow’ and like a ‘game of chess’.
The player is interested in a move to the Emirates, but Leicester’s £60 million valuation is a tough task for Arsenal to complete.
After signing Nuno Tavares, Belgian youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga and £50 million signing Ben White and the first-team squad returning to London Colney for training, Arsenal have their squad ready to be fielded at the Premier League opener against Brentford.
Here we predict how Arsenal could lineup to face the newly-promoted Brenfort side at the opening game of 2021/22 Premier League season.
Goalkeeper
Bernd Leno: The German international was an unused substitute in all the matches for Germany in Euro 2020. There are rumours of Arsenal looking for a new No. 1, but irrespective of the rumours, Leno seems to be happy with the club and is expected to play between the sticks.
Defence
Calum Chambers: Hector Bellerin is a transfer target for Serie A side Inter Milan and he was close to leaving Arsenal for the last two years, but this year there might be a strong possibility of him leaving the club. Bellerin leaving, will open the door for Calum Chambers. Chambers had a fine season after his injury and Arteta will be using his services in the opening game of the season.
Rob Holding: With David Luiz leaving the club and Brazilian defender Gabriel injured, it might be the time for Rob Holding to be a regular starter for the team.
Ben White: Brighton’s Player of the Season last Premier League campaign and after his heroics and impressive performance against Chelsea, new signing Ben White is ready for a new challenge in his career. White is expected to start alongside Holding against Brentford.
Kieran Tierney: The future Arsenal captain had an impressive season last campaign. He is one of the best full-backs in the league. He cut short his holiday after Euro 2020 with Scotland, to train with Arsenal and is fully ready to play the opening game of the season.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka: The Swiss international is expected to sign a new contract with Arsenal. He was a key player for Switzerland’s quarterfinal run in Euro 2020. With Partey injured, Xhaka looks all set to play as a defensive midfielder in the Premier League opener.
Albert Sambi Lokonaga: The Belgian youngster played some terrific passes when he was brought on as a substitute in the preseason friendly against Chelsea. He is one of the players who impressed all of us in all the preseason matches. With Partey injured, he has a high chance of starting the match against Brentford.
James Maddison: Though the negotiations are said to be slow, there might be a possibility of Arsenal completing the deal before the Premier League opener. The player is fully fit and back in training for the Leicester squad. If the deal is completed in time, Arteta is expected to unleash him in central midfield and play his dream ‘4-3-3’ formation. Again, just a possibility. Patience is the virtue.
Forward
Emile Smith Rowe: The new Arsenal No.10 signed a new 5-year contract with the gunners. He played most of his matches in the 2nd half of the Premier League campaign last season. He was up to the mark and became a key player in the first-team squad in Premier League as well as in the Europa League.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: After a disappointing last season for the Gabon striker, Aubameyang will look forward to a much better campaign this season in terms of his performance.
Nicolas Pepe: With Bukayo Saka just returned to training yesterday and lack of fitness and preseason matches for the youngster, Nicolas Pepe is in contention to start as a right-winger in the attack line. The Ivorian winger has improved a lot and will be looking forward to an excellent campaign in the coming season.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Brentford: Leno; Chambers, Holding, White, Tierney; Xhaka, Lokonga, Maddison; Smith Rowe, Aubameyang, Pepe.
Before the opening match of the Premier League, Arsenal will their last match of their preseason friendly against the North London rivals Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
