Mikel Arteta faces a selection dilemma in Naples as key stars return. Discover how Bruno Guimaraes and Ebere Eze could spearhead a refreshed lineup seeking European redemption.
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Arsenal head to Naples tomorrow to take on Napoli in their first UEFA Champions League game since the final defeat to PSG in May, as they look to avenge the heartbreak in Budapest and win a first UCL title in 2027.
Arsenal come into the tie full of confidence, winning four straight matches to kickstart the 2026/27 campaign. Having won the Community Shield against Manchester City, The Gunners have continued the momentum with victories over Coventry, Aston Villa & Chelsea in The Premier League. Napoli on the other hand, are looking to build some form, having won just one of their opening three Serie A fixtures, beating Genoa before falling to successive defeats to Como and most recently, Inter Milan.
Who do I expect to start tomorrow?
The joys of squad rotation are already upon Mikel Arteta. With Arsenal looking to ‘attack’ all four trophies this season, Arteta will have to use the personnel he has at his disposal more than ever if he wants to add to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet this season.
I expect David Raya to continue in between the sticks tomorrow. He is the clubs undisputed number one, and there is no reason for Arteta to take him out of this game. The Spaniard has conceded just one goal this season and he will be up for adding another clean sheet tomorrow.
I expect the back four to remain much the same as it has done in the opening weeks of the new season. Again, having conceded just one goal so far, Arteta has minimal need to shake things up at the back. Ben White could be rotated at right back after starting the opening three Premier League games, but I still expect him to start tomorrow. I think Konsa will also retain his place following the victory over Chelsea, as Mosquera continues to recover from the knock he sustained at Villa Park in the 0-1 victory. Gabriel and Calafiori, I imagine, will remain untouched.
Members of the Arsenal squad in training ahead of their trip to Naples tomorrow (Action Images via Reuters)
Members of the Arsenal squad in training ahead of their trip to Naples tomorrow (Action Images via Reuters)
Into the midfield and I could see a change or two here from the boss. I think we could see a first Champions League appearance for Arsenal for Bruno Guimaraes tomorrow. The Brazilian was an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea, but with Lewis-Skelly starting all of the Premier League games so far, I can see him having a rest tomorrow. I expect Rice to keep his spot in a crucial Champions League opener with the club wanting to get off to the best possible start. I also expect skipper Martin Odegaard to start and be deployed in the number 10 role as usual as he looks to continue his superb start to the new season.
Into the forward line, and again, I could see a shuffle up top from Arteta. I think Tzolis will be given a rest and I can see Ebere Eze starting on the left in Italy tomorrow. I think Havertz will also start up front looking to continue his goalscoring form having scored 2 in 3 in the league. I do also think there will be a start for Madueke on the right, replacing Saka who the club will want to wrap in cotton wool if there are hopes of going deep in every competition this season. The starboy has again started all of the opening Premier League fixtures for Arteta’s side so far.
My XI in full tomorrow:
Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes; Odegaard; Madueke, Havertz, Eze
Arsenal as we know, bolster extreme squad depth, and there is no doubt that Arteta will use the bench to add fresh legs in tomorrow’s fixture. With the XI I have predicted, the Spaniard would have the likes of Saka, Gyokeres, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi & Hincapie at his disposal to bring off the bench to aid the game if required. Arteta has also received a huge injury boost in regard to a player returning, as it has been confirmed that Jurrien Timber has rejoined full first team training this week, but it remains to be seen if he will be included tomorrow.
Arsenal have played Napoli 4 times in the club's history, and all the fixtures have actually come in the last 15 years across the Champions League & Europa League. Arsenal have won 3 of the 4 meetings, most recently completing a 3-0 aggregate win in the 2019 Europa League quarter-final, winning a tightly contested game 0-1 thanks to an Alexandre Lacazette free kick at what was then, The Stadio San Paolo. The stadium has since been renamed The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, honouring their former legend Diego Maradona, following his passing in November 2020.
The fixture kicks off at 8pm UK time and will be shown on TNT Sport to UK viewers, as The Gunners look to kickstart their European campaign in style.