It’s the new dawn at Arsenal, as for the first time in twenty-two years Arsene Wenger will not be zipping his jacket on the sideline in an official league game. His successor Unai Emery has a tough task ahead of him: taking Arsenal back to where they belong – top of English tier.
The long wait is over, Premier League is back and so are the rivalries. Unai Emery will begin his Arsenal story when they host Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on the opening weekend of the Premier League.
So, Who will be named in Unai Enery’s first official line-up against Manchester City?
Goalkeeper
We are post preseason though its still not clear on who of Bernd Leno or Petr Cech will start between the woodwork for Arsenal. Both of the superstars have halo of their own to start against Mancester City.
Petr Cech might be a nick ahead of Leno for the City fixture, considering the lack of Premier League experience for Bernd Leno. Pter Cech has also proven himself in the preseason with some moments of wonder saves and of-course have saved some penalties too.
Yes, Leno might feature in the Premier League post first two game-weeks. Some fixtures against mid-table team would help Leno settle in and get used to pace and physicality of the Premier League.
Defenders
Sokratis Papastathoupolos and Shkodran Mustafi are expected to start for Arsenal. Sokratis has looked a bit vulnerable in the preseason though the Greek center back is perfect to feature in these big games. There are many rumors showing Shkodran Mustafi the exit door for Arsenal but the German international has developed in the past couple of seasons and been a brick wall for Arsenal’s back line.
Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland Niles are expected to start in the full back position for Arsenal. With Kolasinac sidelined for two months due to a knee injury sustained against Chelsea in preseason, Nacho Monreal is a perfect back up option for Sead though the Spainard only returned last week and lacks match fitness. So, Unai Emery has confimed that Maitland-Niles will be featuring as left back against City.
Arsenal also have Stephan Lichsteiner in the right who made his Arsenal debut against Lazio in their last preseason bow. Lichsteiner, an experienced player, can give a hefty competition to Hector Bellerin who has a bright future ahead. Bellerin is expected to be Arsenal’s first choice right back for the season with Setphan Lichsteiner providing him the competitive push required.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey are expected to start for Arsenal. Aaron Ramsey has his concerns with his calf and was forced to sit out for Arsenal’s clash against Chelsea in the International Champions Cup though is expected to recover from the set back and be fit to face Pep Guardiola & Co. New recruit Lucas Torreira is expected to be a back up for Ramsey i.e. if Aaron fails to prove his fitness for Premier League’s opener then Torreira will replace him in the starting line-up.
Arsenal do have Matteo Guendouzi as well as Mohamed Elneny on the bench, with the former impressing everyone with his performances in the preseason and is more likely to get chance than Mo Elneny.
Mesut Ozil is expected to feature in his preferred ‘Number 10’ position with Henrikh Mkhitaryan on his right and Alex Iwobi on his left. Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith-Rowe was highly impressive in the preseason and they are expected to get some starts against small end sides.
Strikers
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been one of the outstanding performer for Arsenal and his goal registering ability can prove dangerous for Manchester City. Auba is someone Guardiola should worry about. He is certainly going to play a vital role this weekend.
