🚨🏟️Predicted Lineup: Manchester United vs Arsenal

Having spent nearly £200 million (€224.20M) this summer transfer window, Arsenal look more equipped to challenge for the title than ever before. Yet, their preseason drew plenty of attention from fans and haters alike for their mixed results. Gaffer Mikel Arteta rotated heavily, giving minutes to the entire squad including recent graduates from Hale End like Max Dowman, Josh Nichols, and Marli Salmon, to try every possible combination ahead of the 2025/26 season. New arrivals like Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, and marquee signing Viktor Gyökeres were all tried and tested ahead of Arsenal’s most anticipated season in recent years.

Following significant progress from the past three seasons, the expectation is clear: it’s time for the Gunners to finally clinch their 14th league title; a crown that has eluded them for over two decades.

Now, with the league underway, we travel up north to face our arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford to kick off our season on Sunday, the 17th of August. Looking at our preseason, we can determine who is likely to start against the Red Devils in the season opener.

DEFENCE

Without a shadow of a doubt, David Raya starts between the posts for the Gunners. The 29-year-old Spaniard is on the back of two straight Golden Gloves in the Premier League and is highly unlikely to be replaced by newcomer Kepa, who still has much to prove in Arsenal colours.

In central defence, William Saliba and Gabriel should resume their partnership with Ben White nailed on at number two. The left-back role would either be for Myles Lewis-Skelly or Riccardo Calafiori. Logic dictates that the latter would start ahead of Lewis-Skelly, who earned the trust of Arteta and fans alike, simply based on seniority. But it would be naïve of us to not consider the 18-year-old Hale End graduate, who has had an incredible debut season in our 2024/25 campaign and started three out of the last four preseason games.

MIDFIELD

Declan Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard are likely to reprise their roles as our key midfielders in the formation with summer signing Martin Zubimendi likely to take the role of the departing Thomas Partey as our new number five. The Spaniard’s pinpoint assist for Gyökeres against Athletic Club in preseason was a glimpse of the composure and vision he brings.

FORWARD

Bukayo Saka is nailed on for the right wing. The left flank, however, is up for debate between Gabriel Martinelli, newcomer Noni Madueke, and Leandro Trossard. Martinelli’s preseason form was patchy, while Madueke could step in if Trossard remains doubtful. Despite rumours of the Belgian’s departure in the coming weeks, he is likely to hold onto the role if fit.

Leading the line will most likely be the prolific Viktor Gyökeres, who appears to have rediscovered his scoring touch. Seen as the final piece in Arsenal’s title chase, Gyökeres arrives as one of the season’s most eagerly awaited signings. Kai Havertz, who missed the decisive phase of last season’s title chase, will serve as backup to the Portuguese striker and is likely to feature off the bench in the second half.

PREDICTED FORMATION (4-3-3)

Raya,

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori

Zubimendi, Odegaard (c), Rice

Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard

AUTHOR’S IDEAL FORMATION (4-2-4)

Raya

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly

Odegaard (c), Rice

Saka, Gyökeres, Havertz, Trossard

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