Arsenal, buoyed by their dominant 2023/24 campaign that saw them finish comfortably ahead of United, will be eager to maintain their momentum. Manager Mikel Arteta is expected to field a strong lineup, blending experienced campaigners with promising youngsters. While some key players are still on holiday following international duty, the return of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Kai Havertz bolsters Arsenal’s options.
The Gunners have recently strengthened their goalkeeping ranks with the arrival of 18-year-old Tommy Setford from Ajax Amsterdam. The England youth international joins the club with high expectations and will initially integrate into the under-21 squad while training regularly with the first-team goalkeeping group.
Arsenal kicked off their pre-season tour with a draw against Bournemouth. The match offered a chance to see some unfamiliar faces from the youth team, with Reiss Nelson and Ethan Nwaneri putting in notable performances. Fabio Vieira, another player whose career at Arsenal has not taken off, scored the opening goal of the tour, while youngster Nwaneri looked comfortable on the senior stage.
The back four against Bournemouth included Ben White and Jurrien Timber, hinting at potential competition for the right-back spot. With first-team defenders William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu unavailable, Timber’s versatility across the back four will be valuable for Arteta. Emile Smith Rowe’s absence against Bournemouth fueled speculation of a potential transfer to Fulham. The England international’s future at the club remains uncertain.
With a blend of youth and experience, Arteta will aim to find the right balance as the Gunners look to lay down a marker for the season ahead. The Manchester United clash will provide a sterner test, but the pre-season opener offered promising signs for the young talent coming through the ranks at Arsenal.
Arsenal predicted lineup (4-3-3): Setford; White, Timber, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Partey, Odegaard, Vieira; Nelson, Jesus, Trossard.
