Arsenal vs. Villarreal: Will Gyokeres Finally Get His Breakthrough Starting Debut?

Arsenal supporters at the Emirates will get their first look at the club's new signings on Wednesday when the Gunners face Villarreal.

Five new recruits featured during the Far East tour, notably Viktor Gyökeres, who finalized his £63.5 million ($87 million) transfer in late July and made his Arsenal debut in the first North London Derby held abroad.

Many view the Swedish striker as Arteta's final puzzle piece, but Gyökeres's prolific goal-scoring record in Portugal coupled with Arsenal's urgent need for a clinical finisher has created enormous expectations. His brief appearance against Tottenham Hotspur was unremarkable, though he has two more chances to gain match fitness before the Gunners visit Old Trafford for their opening 2025–26 Premier League fixture.

Here's how Arsenal might set up for their Emirates friendly against Villarreal.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal (4-3-3)

GK: David Raya—The consecutive Premier League Golden Glove recipient was caught out by Pape Matar Sarr's long-range effort last match, with the Tottenham midfielder's audacious strike from the halfway line proving to be the match-winner.

RB: Ben White—White has featured regularly throughout preseason, and with limited options available due to Jurrien Timber's absence, the English defender should start once more.

CB: William Saliba—While Arteta may give new acquisition Cristhian Mosquera some playing time on Wednesday, Saliba, who has been a consistent presence this summer, is expected to keep his spot.

CB: Jakub Kiwior—Porto are rumored to be pursuing the Polish center-back, who impressed during the latter stages of 2024–25. With Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori potentially sidelined again, Kiwior should form the partnership with Saliba.

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—The youngster lost possession in the sequence leading to Sarr's winner, though video replays revealed a foul by Richarlison that caused Lewis-Skelly's error. Unless Arteta decides to showcase Oleksandr Zinchenko for potential suitors, the promising England youth international will occupy the left-back position.

CM: Martin Zubimendi—The Spanish midfielder should help solve Arsenal's struggles against compact defenses through his ability to link play and advance the ball in central zones. He's likely to be the Gunners' first-choice defensive midfielder for the season opener.

CM: Declan Rice—Rice's tactical role remains largely unchanged, with Arteta continuing to deploy the influential midfielder as an attacking No. 8 rather than a deeper position.

CM: Martin Ødegaard—The captain has shown only glimpses of his best form this summer ahead of a crucial campaign. Fans anticipate Ødegaard will bounce back in 2025–26 following a disappointing previous season, with Ethan Nwaneri's emergence adding competition for the Norwegian creator.

RW: Bukayo Saka—Noni Madueke is set to make his Arsenal bow on Wednesday, with the former Chelsea wide player comfortable on either wing. Saka struggled to impress during the Asian tour but will be eager to deliver for the home crowd.

ST: Kai Havertz—While Gyökeres is the player everyone wants to witness, expect the Swedish goal machine to feature as a substitute again. Havertz has enjoyed a solid preseason campaign so far.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli—Madueke could potentially start on the left flank, particularly with Leandro Trossard likely unavailable. Nevertheless, Arteta might introduce the new signing gradually by bringing him on as a substitute.