Viktor Gyokeres starts: Arsenal predicted XI v Villarreal
Arsenal could hand starts to two of their summer signings in their latest pre-season friendly with Villarreal.
The Gunners will return to Emirates Stadium after travelling to Asia on a pre-season tour which saw them come up against AC Milan, Newcastle and Tottenham.
Before the new Premier League season begins Arsenal will face La Liga sides Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, in the Emirates Cup, in North London.
Below is how Mikel Arteta could line up his side for the first challenge of Villarreal.
Summer signings could make home debuts
Arteta is set to be boosted by the availability of summer signing Noni Madueke, who was not on Arsenal’s pre-season tour as the winger was given an extended break after his participation at the Club World Cup with Chelsea.
Defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber, alongside goalkeeper Kepa, are also set to be available for selection after injuries.
However, Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard will miss the game due to knocks.
All of Arteta’s summer signings could make there home debuts, including Viktor Gyokeres who made a substitute appearance against Spurs and could feature more prominently against Villarreal.
With Christian Norgaard starting against Spurs, Martin Zubimendi could come back into the side.
Arteta has one key decision to make
Football Insider Verdict
Getting the majority of their transfer business done early means Arteta has the time to bring Madueke and Gyokeres up to speed with the Arsenal squad.
Two home games before their trip to Man United will benefit Arteta and the new signings who can familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.
Madueke also needs to take his chance with a knock to Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli so far not impressing in pre-season.
| Apperances | 46 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 5 |
A spot on the left flank looks the only position in dispute ahead of that opening weekend trip to Old Trafford, with Gabriel set to come back in for Kiwior when the Brazilian is back up to full fitness.
Arteta will still give plenty of players game time against Villarreal, with the match potentially giving 15-year-old Max Dowman another opportunity to impress.
Dowman was the stand out player on Arsenal’s pre-season tour, with the academy product able to make his Premier League debut in the forthcoming campaign.