The Arsenal team expected to start against Napoli in their first UEFA Champions League game of the new season.
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal are in contention to start against Napoli
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal are in contention to start against Napoli(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal face Napoli in their first European match of the season, looking to secure as good a start to their Champions League campaign as they have in defence of the Premier League title. After three straight wins, the Gunners come into the game in good form, whereas their opponents are licking their wounds after a defeat against Inter Milan.
There are many questions about how Mikel Arteta might set up against the Italians, with his season becoming a two-match-week affair. The Gunners will be facing a former foe in Kevin De Bruyne but Scott McTominay is missing through injury.
It leaves the question open as to whether Arteta decides to go very strong and change little about his winning formula. Or, considerate of player load, instead decide to make several changes to the group.
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Here is who football.london believes will start against the Italian club:
David Raya
The Spanish keeper still faces a challenge to become his country’s number one, and his performances in the Champions League will be a massive part of that.
Ben White
Jurrien Timber has trained with the group ahead of the game; however, it is still expected that the Englishman will start.
Ezri Konsa
Cristhian Mosquera missed training and the limited number of options at the back will mean a second consecutive start for Ezri Konsa.
Gabriel
The Brazilian centre half had his performance of the season against Chelsea at the weekend and will face an old foe in Rasmus Hojlund on Wednesday night.
Piero Hincapie
The Ecuador international is the only rotational senior option in defence that Mikel Arteta has to call on.
Martin Zubimendi
The Spaniard has lost his place in the six role but has a chance here to establish himself again in the team with his first game of the season, and only his second start for the club since April.
Declan Rice
It is always difficult for Declan Rice to be left out of the squad and the expectation will be that he starts yet again.
Martin Odegaard
The in-form player of the squad, and with the lack of a signing on the left, it means competition and depth if other changes are wanted thin the attacking midfield.
Bukayo Saka
With many hopes on this being the Arsenal talisman’s best season yet, getting off to the perfect start in the Champions League is a must.
Kai Havertz
Viktor Gyokeres might feel aggrieved not to start this game, but with Havertz in such good form, allowing the form to flow will be preferred.
Eberechi Eze
An example of where the depth on the left not being strengthened has opened the door for Eberechi Eze to have a chance on the left from the start.