The predicted Arsenal team to start against Crystal Palace in the final Premier League match on Sunday afternoon at Selhurst Park
Max Dowman and Piero Hincapie of Arsenal during a training session before clash with Girona
Max Dowman and Piero Hincapie of Arsenal during a training session before clash with Girona(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal take on Girona in their first official pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon as the Gunners prepare for to defend their Premier League crown. Mikel Arteta has five matches to test his squad before the new campaign, with the final match of the run an FA Community Shield clash with Manchester City five days before taking on Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite their London rivals Spurs and Chelsea heading off to Australia, Arsenal are staying much closer to home. This means less travel and two matches also being played at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta has typically taken his squad to Spain for some early summer sessions but now faces a Girona side who once found themselves facing the Gunners in the Champions League now in the second tier of Spanish football. It will provide a good early run out for the Arsenal players which football.london has the tricky task of guessing who might start.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The Spaniard has been linked with an exit, but so far remains a part of the group, but has competition from new signing Illan Meslier.
Ben White
The England international has recovered from a knee injury which cost him a place at the World Cup, but is raring to go for the new season.
Cristhian Mosquera
The Spaniard looks likely to get many more minutes with the injury suffered by William Saliba set to see him miss an extended period.
Piero Hincapie
Gabriel has rejoined the group, but with the small turnaround, it could be the Ecuadorian deputises at left-centre half, having now been with the squad for a longer period.
Riccardo Calafiori
The Italian would have been disappointed to miss the World Cup after his nation failed to qualify for the tournament but has been able to get a much-needed break from action and will be raring to go for the new season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Without several key midfielders available at the moment, Myles looks to be the obvious candidate to play the deeper midfield role.
Ethan Nwaneri
A lot hangs in the balance for Ethan Nwaneri whose future remains without resolution but has started pre-season well and could transform his optics under Arteta with an impressive summer.
Kai Havertz
With so many absent midfielders, it might be the German is utilised in the midfield before returning to his natural advanced position.
Max Dowman
A lot of excitement to see what the youngster can bring to the table for the Gunners and being able to start before Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke come back is a great opportunity for the teenager.
Viktor Gyokeres
The Swede had a good World Cup but after scoring 21 goals last season is aiming for more, all while the transfer rumour mill regarding Julian Alvarez plays along in the background.
Christos Tzolis
The new signing has the chance to show the Arsenal world in front of the cameras what they’re in for. The Greek winger had 51 goal contributions last season, and so aiming for even just half that would be a great first season.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Girona – Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Havertz, Nwaneri; Dowman, Gyokeres, Tzolis