Expect rotation, debuts and a youngster to start against Bilbao

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Arsenal kick off their 2025–26 Champions League campaign with a trip to Bilbao, where they'll face Athletic Club at the iconic San Mamés.

Arteta and his squad will be keen to replicate or even better their 3-0 thrashing of the La Liga side in last August's Emirates Cup.

Despite injury concerns surrounding Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and William Saliba, Arsenal have shown they can still field a formidable XI.

So far, the club's summer spending spree is paying off. As was the case against Nottingham Forest, Arteta has introduced new partnerships across the pitch, fresh faces in attack, a reshaped midfield, and young defender Cristhian Mosquera getting his chance. 

Yet, the Gunners looked strong against Ange Postecoglou's side.

But with such depth, fans are left guessing: who starts, who sits?

Against Bilbao, one would hope Arteta fields a strong team capable of kicking off the Champions League campaign in style.

Saka and Havertz are ofcourse unlikely to feature, but Saliba, who returned to training last Friday, is in contention to start.

With a big clash against Manchester City looming over the weekend, it would be wise for the Frenchman to build match fitness midweek, so he should start.

This fixture also presents the perfect opportunity for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapie to make their debuts. Both are more than capable of holding their own.

It would also be encouraging to see the Zubimendi–Rice–Odegaard trio continue to build chemistry in midfield.

This is if Odegaard has managed to overcome his shoulder injury sustained last Saturday. If as it looks likely he cannot make it then Nwaneri deserves to start due to his excellent display against Forest when he deputised for Odegaard.

Eze was decent against Forest from the left wing, and it's only right that he gets the chance to build on that performance.

Kepa  
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie  
Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard /Nawneri
Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze

If Arteta goes with this line-up, Arsenal should be confident of leaving Spain with all three points.

Saliba will be on the bench

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou renew their rivalry as Arsenal host Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off at the Emirates.

Arteta remains unbeaten against Forest’s new boss in the league, and he’ll be determined to keep that record intact this weekend.

There’s a real air of unpredictability surrounding this fixture.

Will Postecoglou stick with Forest’s defensive, counter-attacking blueprint, or will he immediately impose his trademark high line and relentless gung-ho approach?

Arteta’s greatest asset heading into this clash is his side’s ability to focus on themselves, leaning on their strengths and trusting that their quality will see them through.

There’s been a timely injury boost, with Christian Nørgaard, William Saliba and Ben White returning to fitness. However, the Spaniard will be without key figures Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.

Even so, thanks to the shrewd summer business conducted by the new sporting director Andrea Berta, Arsenal should still field a formidable XI.

Noni Madueke, fresh off a scintillating international break with England, looks ready to deputise for Saka. Viktor Gyökeres will aim to silence his doubters up front. 

At the same time, Cristhian Mosquera, who impressed against Liverpool in Saliba’s absence, should slot in confidently alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of defence (with Saliba rightfully rested for Champions League return and Manchester City).

Arteta could opt for this strong Arsenal line-up:

Raya  

Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard  

Madueke, Gyökeres, Eze

While many expect Eze to feature in a left central midfield role, Arteta may trial him on the left wing, a position that’s posed problems for Arsenal in recent times with Gabriel Martinelli struggling.

And Eze will have the freedom to drift towards a left forward come midfield position with Calafiori providing the width on the left side.

If Eze thrives there, he could become the long-term solution for that spot.

Having lost their last outing (Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal), this fixture presents the perfect opportunity for the Gunners to bounce back.

If they can shake off the post-international break rust, Arsenal could extend their unbeaten run against Forest to five matches.

Strong midfield line up selected by Arteta can be the basis of a significant victory at Anfield

 By Danong

In the biggest clash of Premier League matchday three, Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday evening as last season’s top sides renew their rivalry.

Gooners heading to this one will be bullish after a brilliant start to the season, grinding out a vital 1–0 win over United before mercilessly dispatching Leeds 5–0.

If all goes to plan, the Gunners will hope to claim victory over a Liverpool side who, despite winning their opening two games, have looked far from convincing.

Many Arsenal fans who watched the Reds scrape a last-minute 3–2 win over Newcastle couldn’t help but wonder: if ten men overran Arne Slot’s side, why shouldn’t we have it in us to dispatch them?

Of course, the game is played on the pitch and Arteta and his players intend to do just that on Sunday.

While Arsenal head into this fixture on a six-game unbeaten league run against Liverpool, they haven’t won a top-flight match at Anfield since 2012.

With Bukayo Saka sidelined by a hamstring injury, Kai Havertz requiring knee surgery, and Martin Odegaard out with a shoulder issue, questions have been raised about whether Arsenal are strong enough to end their Anfield hoodoo.

Yet thanks to the quality signings made by the club’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, manager Mikel Arteta still has a capable squad to choose from despite the absence of key players.

Liverpool should field a strong side, barring injured Jeremie Frimpong. But even with their depth, Arteta can still name a line-up capable of delivering a famous win over one of Arsenal’s main title rivals. This is what he went for:

Raya  
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
Zubimendi, Rice, Merino
Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli tends to thrive against Liverpool; it’s a fixture he relishes, having scored six goals in 12 appearances against the Reds.

The choice of Merino indicates the Arteta wants to start rather conservatively with a strong midfield of mostly defensive minded players.

Eberechi Eze will be expected to pose a greater threat from the bench deployed centrally, while Noni Madueke, signed as Saka’s reliable back-up, should finally step into the role on the right.

As strong as this line-up is, if it doesn’t leave Anfield with a big win, it’s hard to see why, especially given how vulnerable Liverpool have looked defensively, with Ibrahima Konaté and Milos Kerkez struggling for form.

Victory at Anfield would see Arsenal register three wins from their opening three league games, something they’ve only managed once in the past 20 years, back in the 2022–23 season.

Mikel Arteta could make one surprising tactical move against Liverpool that might leave Gooners baffled

 By Danong

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both picked up injuries last weekend as Arsenal thrashed Leeds 5–0. They could both miss the clash at Anfield.

Their possible absence is set to force Arteta to reconsider how he sets up his team.

Noni Madueke is expected to slot in on the right wing, but as he does so, one big question emerges: who starts on the left?

Whenever Madueke has featured for Arsenal, he’s operated on the left. It was only against Leeds that he switched to the right to cover for Saka.

Who plays left wing?

Had Arsenal’s number 7 been fit for the trip to Anfield, it’s likely the ex-Chelsea man would have continued on the left. But with Saka ruled out, Arteta must now make a bold call.

Some argue he should simply start Eberechi Eze on the left.

But while that option is under consideration, stats suggest that if Arteta goes with Eze on the left, he could miss a brilliant tactical trick.

Martinelli: the secret weapon

Martinelli needs to start on the left. The Brazilian is a different animal against Liverpool, he thrives in these clashes.

In 12 appearances against the Reds, Martinelli has registered six goals and two assists.

By contrast, Eze has just one goal and one assist in eight games against Liverpool.

Martinelli’s record alone makes a strong case, but there’s more to it.

Liverpool have shown vulnerability when defending transitional moments and Arsenal’s number 11 has the pace to exploit that repeatedly.

His speed could unlock Arsenal’s attacking play and dovetail perfectly with Viktor Gyokeres’ strengths. The Swede is well suited to transitional fast paced direct football.

After enduring criticism in recent times, Martinelli will be eager to impress if handed the chance and prove he still has plenty to offer.

That said, if Odegaard is sidelined, Eze, who many believe should be deployed on the left, might be better suited to a central role, where he could cause the most damage against Liverpool.

If Odegaard is fit to start then Eze can express his magic from the bench.

Hunger and desire should see Arteta field this perfect line-up to give United nightmares at the Theatre of Dreams

 By Danong 

The Premier League is back, and Gooners will be hoping it returns with a bang especially given the tough start Arsenal face.

Mikel Arteta’s side begin the season on the road, travelling northwest to take on Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams.

As the Gunners prepare for arguably their toughest league opener in years, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Arsenal’s recent dominance

Arsenal have dominated the last five Premier League meetings between the two English giants.

With four wins and one draw, the North Londoners remain unbeaten against the Manchester Reds in the league.

The last time the sides met at Old Trafford, Declan Rice cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ first half opener to secure a 1–1 draw.

Gyokeres vs Sesko

Arguably the biggest talking point will be the Viktor Gyokeres vs Benjamin Sesko showdown.

Both strikers were heavily linked with either club, so it will be fascinating to see them go head-to-head and prove who is better.

It is not yet clear if Sesko, who Arsenal were expected to sign, is in the right place physically and mentally to start against the Gunners.

But if he does Gooners can expect a very interest Sesko and Gyokeres face off straight away this weekend.

Injury watch

Only Gabriel Jesus is expected to miss the game due to fitness concerns as Arteta remains hopeful that Leandro Trossard’s groin issue will settle in time for Sunday’s clash.

After ending pre-season on a high with a 3–0 win over Athletic Club, Arsenal will be keen to pick up where they left off last weekend.

But this is a revamped United side, not the one that finished 15th last season, so Arsenal will need to go strong.

The question is: can they go stronger than this line-up?

Raya;

Timber,Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; 

Zubimendi, Rice;

Saka, Odegaard, Madueke; 

Gyokores

It will be interesting to see who will be selected to sit on the bench!

Pressure already mounting

With Liverpool’s 4–2 win over Bournemouth on Friday night, the pressure is on Arsenal.

Will they respond?

They should. They have no choice but to.

Raya needs to be benched

 By 1970s Gooner 

Raya has looked shaky throughout this Asia tour. This shakines has come to the fore in todays NLD. 

He has been nowhere good enough defending corners with two of them plainly sailing over his head and almost into the goal. Once the post came to his aid and then for the next one Richarlison blocked it from going into the net!!

But what was he doing passing the ball to MLS in the middle of the pitch with his back turned and with two Spurs midfielders around him.

He needs to come off.

Gyokeres debuts, Dowman tastes NLD but Arteta needs to go full strength vs Spurs

 By Danong 

The first North London derby abroad is here as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur clash in Hong Kong in a pre-season friendly at the Kai Tak Stadium.

So far, so good as Arsenal’s Asian pre-season has got off to a bright start.

A 1–0 win over AC Milan and a 3–2 victory against Newcastle have set the tone for the Gunners. They should head into this game buzzing.

Given it’s a derby, Mikel Arteta needs to go full strength. He can’t let Thomas Frank win his debut NLD and with it, claim the first North London derby ever played abroad.

Arteta has confirmed Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori are unavailable for the game.

While he has also admitted Viktor Gyokeres could feature against Spurs, it’s unlikely he’ll start (Kai Havertz starts). Jurrien Timber may also get some minutes, but it is unlikely as he’s only just returned to full training.

Still, Arsenal should line up close to full strength:

Raya  
White, Saliba, Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly  
Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard  
Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Max Dowman impressed against a physical Newcastle side. It would be interesting to see him handed another cameo to confirm he’s truly ready for a breakout season.

As for Nwaneri, he didn’t shine against Newcastle, but if introduced versus Spurs, let’s hope he silences the critics and reminds everyone of his brilliance.

Can Arteta go stronger than this line up vs Newcastle?

 By Danong

Following their 1-0 win over AC Milan to kick off the Asia pre-season tour, Arsenal are back in action on Sunday this time against a familiar foe, Newcastle.

While the Gunners edged the Magpies 1-0 last time out, Eddie Howe’s side had beaten them in three consecutive meetings prior.

This fixture carries weight for both teams and could offer a genuine gauge of where they stand as the Premier League return draws near.

As he did versus Milan, one would expect Mikel Arteta to go strong with his selections but can he go stronger than this?

Raya
White, Saliba, Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly
Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard  
Saka, Havertz, Nelson

Obviously Viktor Gyokeres cannot make it to Singapore in time to take any part in this game.

But Reiss Nelson impressed against Milan and his influence from the left wing was palpable.

Some argue he deserves another shot at the Emirates and facing one of the most physical, defensively-minded Premier League sides should help assess whether he can be a viable option next season.

As for Gabriel, given Newcastle’s physicality and the fact he’s just returned from injury, it may be wise not to feature him prominently in this one.

Martin Zubimendi, meanwhile, should relish the chance to test himself against one of the league’s finest midfields.

His partnership with Declan Rice and Ødegaard deserves a proper run-out against Premier League opposition.

Max Dowman was a revelation against Milan, it would be great to see him get another cameo and test himself against top-flight competition.

As for Nwaneri, it would be encouraging to see him continue his midfield run, especially with next season likely to offer him more prominent opportunities.

Arsenal Lagging, United Gatecrash The Party But Agent Fees Can Bring Gyokeres to Arsenal

 By 1970s Gooner

The future of Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres continues to dominate headlines as the tug-of-war between Sporting, Arsenal and now Manchester United intensifies. 

Arsenal have officially proposed a deal worth €63.5 million upfront, plus €10 million in performance-related bonuses, totaling €73.5 million.

The Lisbon club has made clear they will only part with their star striker if the add ons are easily achieved.

In contrast, Manchester United have now submitted a bid that is expected to be between €70 to €80 m.

While the structure of the payment — whether in installments or upfront — remains undisclosed, the total valuation may well satisfy the Portuguese club’s demands.

This will be the worst case scenario as far as Arsenal are concerned.

If we assume for the purposes of clarity that United's bid is at worst €80m this would make Arsenal's bid fall short by €6.5 million.

However all that Gyokeres and his agent Hasan Centikaya will then have do to is to simply bring back the latter's right to demand the fee of around 10% (which would be around 7m). 

This is what he waived in the first place to get Arsenal's bid accepted by Sporting!

This would make the two offers almost the same and should therefore allow Gyokeres to choose his next destination.

And we know which he will choose...

 

Deal now agreed between Arsenal and Sporting according to AS!

 By 1970s Gooner

A fresh report claims Arsenal and Sporting CP have reached an agreement for Gyökeres:

€63.5 M in cash with a further €10 M in add-ons, potentially raising the total to €73.5 M.

Some concessions have been made by Arsenal to make a larger amount of the add-ons easier to achieve.

Gyökeres is set to sign a five-year contract worth about €8 M net per year.

He skipped Sporting’s pre-season as leverage for the move.

A London medical is planned for this coming Friday to complete the deal.