Gabriel Magalhaes returns: Arsenal predicted XI v Athletic Bilbao
Arsenal will conclude their pre-season with an Emirates Cup clash against Athletic Bilbao which is Mikel Arteta’s final chance to look at his squad.
The Gunners fell to a surprise 3-2 defeat to Villarreal in North London in midweek, which has highlighted some defensive and offensive issues.
Villarreal raced into a two goal lead, with former Arsenal record signing Pepe scoring against his former club, before Christian Norgaard halved the deficit before half-time with his first goal for the club.
The Spanish club though regained their two-goal advantage in the second half before a Martin Odegaard penalty got Arsenal back in the game, but Villarreal held on for victory and won the subsequent penalty shootout.
Gyokeres to maintain starting spot
Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri were positive performers against Villarreal and both will harbour aspirations of playing a part in Arsenal’s opening match at Manchester United.
Arteta though is likely to begin with the side he believes will start at Old Trafford, meaning Odegaard, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi come back into the team.
Odegaard’s relationship with Viktor Gyokeres will be key throughout the season, and Arteta will want to give the pair time together on the pitch in the final friendly.
Gabriel Magalhaes played 30 minutes against Villarreal following a lengthy injury lay off, and the Brazilian may start alongside William Saliba as Arteta looks ahead to Man United.
| Apperances | 210 |
| Goals | 20 |
| Assists | 5 |
Riccardo Calafiori, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz all missed Villarreal defeat with injury, but the trio may make the squad against Athletic Bilbao.
As Gabriel Martinelli started against Villarreal, Noni Madueke may be given the opportunity to showcase his capabilities.
Arteta has midfield decision to make
Football Insider Verdict
Whatever team Arteta decides to select against Athletic Bilbao may give us an indication of who he will start at Man United.
Arteta is boosted by the returns of Gabriel and Jurrien Timber, with the former expected to start the opening fixture.
Gyokeres needs time to gel with his team mates, so Arteta needs to give the striker time on the pitch to forge those key relationships.
The 27-year-old’s first start for the Gunners ended with him making little impact on proceedings, and it is clear work needs to be done on the training ground between Arsenal’s attacking stars.
Norgaard made a claim to start ahead of Zubimendi, with his goal and performance against Villarreal, and that could now turn out to be a difficult decision for Arteta in the holding midfield role.
The former Brentford captain has plenty of Premier League experience and he could help Zubimendi ease into the demands of English football.
The main debate though still remains down the left flank and whether it will be Martinelli or Madueke occupying that spot, with this last friendly a key match for both to impress.