With the beginning of the new Premier League season, Arsenal finds itself in the limelight. Enjoying a strong spell last season, Mikel Arteta’s team will be looking to make an early impression in Gameweek 1. With a mix of veteran pillars and new faces, Arsenal’s squad is brimming with potential game-changers. Let’s have a closer look at a few of the players fantasy football managers and fans need to look out for this weekend.
Bukayo Saka – The Arsenal Starboy
Bukayo Saka continues to be the focal point of Arsenal’s attack. The English winger has been the most consistent player in the league. He has been assisting, scoring, and occupying the right wing. His beating in one-one, his ability to deliver accurate crosses, and his open-play or set-piece conversion make him a threat each hour. For Gameweek 1, expect Saka to be in the thick of creating chances and testing the opposition goalkeeper.
Gabriel Jesus – The Complete Forward
Even with some injury problems last season, Gabriel Jesus demonstrated what a pillar player he is to Arsenal football. His movement away from the ball, switching, and harrying the frontmen are constant nightmares for defenders. When fit, Jesus can be a potential one of the key players in dismantling the opposition at an early stage of the campaign. Even if he doesn’t score, his ceaseless work rate has the effect of opening up space and opportunity for others.
Declan Rice – The Midfield General of Arsenal
This will be Declan Rice‘s first full season as an Arsenal player. Arsenal signed him from West Ham on a record signing last summer. He has impressed pre-season, dominating the game and providing solidity in midfield. He is able to tackle, drive the ball forward, and pass. This will be vital for Gameweek 1. Rice is also capable of catching the defence out with late runs into the box, and this provides another attacking dimension to Arsenal’s game.
William Saliba – The Defensive Rock
William Saliba has become the Premier League’s top defender in the space of a couple of years. His calm head under pressure, aerial threat, and world-class positioning make him an absolute necessity for the defense of Arsenal. In an opening season where nerves always play against players and lead to mistakes, Saliba’s calm head can be the difference between a clean sheet and an open goal. He is a set-piece threat as well, so watch out for him in defense too when he comes up.
Martin Odegaard – The Creative Spark of Arsenal
Arsenal’s playmaking genius is the captain. Martin Odegaard’s vision and control of the game’s pace make him the most feared playmaker in the league. He appears out of thin air in islands of space and unleashes passes that leave defences exposed. If Arsenal are to choke Gameweek 1, Odegaard will be the orchestrator, calling the shots and serving as the link to the forwards.
Gabriel Martinelli – The Speed Merchant
Martinelli‘s line running and pace are a nightmare for opposing teams. He showed last season that he is capable of scoring and providing assists in crucial matches, and this season will seek to take his count even further. On the left wing, his cutting inside and shooting and burst pace are a constant threat. In Gameweek 1, he could be the one to break the deadlock.
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Amorim: "We will be ready for Arsenal. We have arranged a full week with two sessions, then we will ease off, and then I will use two days for the match strategy." pic.twitter.com/53TQilMQ6c
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 9, 2025
Author’s Note
Arsenal’s Gameweek 1 lineup is a combination of flair, creativity, and solidity. Saka, Odegaard, and Martinelli will bring attack thrust, and solidity given by Rice and Saliba, and others. The Gunners will begin the season on a high. The first match will set the tone for the entire season, and from this lineup, there are several reasons why the Gunners’ fans can be hopeful.
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