Arsenal Unleashes Madueke in Starting XI for Athletic Club Showdown
Anxiety is brewing in north London as Arsenal have failed to impress during preseason with the Premier League season opener just seven days away.
This campaign is expected to be Arsenal's breakthrough year, with Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres viewed as the final component. The forward made his debut start for the team in Wednesday's 3–2 loss to Villarreal but received limited service, while Noni Madueke became the sixth summer acquisition to feature for the Gunners.
Things can only improve for the ex-Chelsea player, to put it mildly.
The Emirates supporters need a persuasive performance before next Sunday's trip to Old Trafford. Here's the potential starting eleven Arteta might select for Saturday's Emirates Cup clash with Athletic Club.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Athletic Club (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Arsenal's two main goalkeepers should split time more evenly on Saturday, though Raya will likely see the majority of action.
RB: Jurrien Timber—Ben White began preseason impressively, but faces renewed competition from Timber following his injury recovery. The Dutch defender came on as a substitute against Villarreal and may be prepared to start this match.
CB: William Saliba—Saliba has been prominent throughout preseason, and the French defender should secure another starting role in Arsenal's summer finale.
CB: Gabriel—The Brazilian has returned to action following his recovery from an April hamstring problem. This might mark the first preseason pairing of Gabriel alongside Saliba.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—The young player hasn't enjoyed the most productive summer despite signing a new deal, with some suggesting Arteta should deploy Lewis-Skelly in midfield. Without Riccardo Calafiori's availability, the England youth international seems certain to keep his position.
CM: Martin Zubimendi—The Spanish midfielder is expected to feature prominently for Arsenal in his debut season after his summer move from Real Sociedad. Zubimendi will face familiar opposition on Saturday.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—The Arsenal skipper hasn't quite sparked this summer, though he has been reliable from penalty situations. Ødegaard should take Ethan Nwaneri's place in the starting lineup for the Emirates Cup.
CM: Declan Rice—Mikel Merino started Wednesday's loss, but Rice is expected to reclaim his midfield spot, with many considering this Arsenal's optimal three-man midfield.
RW: Noni Madueke—Bukayo Saka's subdued summer should end with a substitute appearance, giving way to summer signing Madueke, who played on the left flank in the previous Villarreal match. He concluded his debut by missing a penalty in the subsequent shootout.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—Arsenal's final signing was largely isolated on his first appearance, with the team failing to supply their new frontman effectively. Kai Havertz will challenge Gyökeres for playing time, but his recent injury concerns mean the Swedish striker could continue leading the attack.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—Arsenal face challenges on their left wing, with fans expressing dissatisfaction with their current options. Leandro Trossard might recover in time to participate, but Martinelli could retain his starting berth.