Arsenal have officially confirmed their starting XI to face Villarreal in Wednesday’s highly anticipated pre-season friendly, and Mikel Arteta has opted for a strong lineup featuring a mix of senior stars, new signings, and young talent. The clash, part of Arsenal’s Asia tour, offers a key opportunity to build momentum and cohesion ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
**Starting XI Breakdown**
The Gunners will line up in a familiar 4-3-3 formation, with David Raya getting the nod in goal. The Spaniard retains his position as Arsenal’s number one and will be aiming to sharpen up his reflexes ahead of the season opener.
In defence, Ben White starts at right-back, joined by William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior at centre-back. With Gabriel Magalhães named among the substitutes, Kiwior gets a vital chance to impress after speculation over his future. Myles Lewis-Skelly earns a start at left-back, continuing his rapid development and versatility after shining in previous pre-season fixtures.
The midfield trio is an exciting mix of grit, intelligence, and youth. Christian Norgaard, a new arrival from Brentford, anchors the base of midfield with Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri ahead of him. Merino brings control and distribution, while Nwaneri adds flair and creativity — his presence in the starting XI signals the faith Arteta has in the 17-year-old playmaker.
**A Potent Front Three**
Arsenal’s front line consists of Bukayo Saka on the right, Gabriel Martinelli on the left, and Viktor Gyökeres through the middle. The clash marks Gyökeres’ first start for the club following his move from Sporting CP, and all eyes will be on the Swedish striker to see how he leads the line.
Saka and Martinelli’s inclusion confirms Arteta’s intent to build chemistry around his new No. 9, while also ensuring the team’s main attacking threats continue to gel with the new-look midfield.
**Substitutes Offer Plenty of Depth**
Arsenal’s bench offers a strong mix of options, with backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and young talent Brian Setford available. In defence, Timber, Gabriel, Mosquera, and Zinchenko provide depth across the backline.
Midfield reinforcements include Sambi Lokonga, Martín Zubimendi, and captain Martin Ødegaard — the latter likely to feature in the second half to control the tempo. Up front, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, and exciting youngsters like Dowman and Harriman-Annous round out a well-balanced bench.
Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Merino, Nwaneri; Saka, Martinelli; Gyökeres.
Arsenal subs: Kepa, Setford, Timber, Gabriel, Mosquera, Zinchenko, Lokonga, Zubimendi, Ødegaard, Madueke, Rice, Dowman, Harriman-Annous.
**Arteta Building Chemistry Before Season Begins**
This fixture is another key step in Arteta’s pre-season preparations, allowing him to assess combinations and fitness levels ahead of the Premier League kickoff. With new faces like Norgaard, Merino, and Gyökeres bedding in, and youth talents like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly stepping up, Arsenal are blending experienced quality with rising stars.
A strong performance against Villarreal would send a positive message that the squad is close to readiness — and that Arsenal’s ambitions remain high for the season ahead.