ไทย
English
中國人
Arsenal kick off their Premier League title defense with a potentially tricky home fixture against newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday.
The Gunners are heavy favorites to claim all three points, and last weekend's commanding 3–0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield will have Coventry dreading their visit to the Emirates Stadium for their first top-flight appearance in 25 years.
Arsenal were impressive at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, shutting out last season's title contenders while showing their ruthless finishing. With that in mind, Frank Lampard's promoted side should be no match for Mikel Arteta's well-oiled outfit.
Here's a look at who Arteta might field for Arsenal's season opener.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Coventry
GK: David Raya—Raya returned to north London as a World Cup winner despite not featuring for a single minute during Spain's tournament run. The 30-year-old has reclaimed his No.1 status and will be targeting a clean sheet to open the season against Coventry.
RB: Ben White—With Jurriën Timber still on the sidelines, White is set for a run of starts in the early weeks of the campaign. He performed well against Man City, though inconsistency has been a recurring concern for him in the past.
CB: Cristhian Mosquera—William Saliba's injury absence means Mosquera is set to begin the season as the right-sided center back. That said, his role as the Frenchman's first-choice cover could be challenged once Ezri Konsa completes his move from Aston Villa.
CB: Gabriel—The Brazilian was comfortably the Premier League's standout defender last season, contributing seven goal involvements alongside his exceptional defensive displays.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori—A long-term battle between Calafiori and Piero Hincapié at left back appears inevitable, but the former's attacking qualities—on show during the Community Shield—give him the upper hand for now.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—Arsenal's captain faced scrutiny at times last term despite the club's achievements. This season offers him a chance to step up as a true leader, and he made an encouraging start to his campaign last weekend.
CM: Bruno Guimarães—A competitive debut awaits Guimarães, who picked up his first piece of silverware on just his second unofficial Arsenal outing. The Brazilian is a minor injury doubt but is expected to play regardless.
CM: Declan Rice—While Myles Lewis-Skelly could earn a start given his recent form, Rice remains Arsenal's most influential midfielder and handled the second half against Man City with ease.
Enable functional cookies to see this feature.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Like Rice, Saka also made an impact as a substitute in Wales and could force his way back into the starting XI. His fitness ahead of Coventry's visit remains the only potential obstacle.
ST: Kai Havertz—Having netted in the Community Shield, Havertz looks set to hold his place despite competition from Viktor Gyökeres for the striker role. Arteta has two strong and contrasting options that are likely to share the workload across the season.
LW: Christos Tzolis—Tzolis has burst onto the scene at Arsenal, registering two assists last Sunday. The Greek international has already staked his claim for a starting berth on the left wing ahead of the unpredictable Gabriel Martinelli.