Last season’s Champions League runner-ups Arsenal commence their European Cup campaign with a clash against Napoli tonight at 20:00 UK time/21:00 local time at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on matchday one.
After starting on the front foot domestically with three Premier League wins and the FA Community Shield in the bag, the Gunners will be looking to add three points to the board in their continental opener as well.
Here is how Mikel Arteta’s men are likely to line-up for the fixture.
Goalkeeper – David Raya is expected to keep his place in between the sticks for the visitors.
Defenders – Ben White could continue playing as the right back with Jurrien Timber still injured but a change could occur on the other side of the back four with Piero Hincapie potentially replacing Riccardo Calafiori at left back, after the Italian international has played in all the team’s games so far in the campaign.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhaes could partner with Ezri Konsa to round off an unchanged backline for the Gunners.
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Midfielders – Arsenal would like some physicality and aerial prowess in their midfield against a quality Napoli side, so Declan Rice is expected to keep his place in the starting eleven but Myles Lewis-Skelly might make way for Bruno Guimaraes to play in the double pivot. The Brazilian is in contention to start his first Champions League match for the Gunners after a £75 million switch from Newcastle United.
Martin Odegaard, on the other hand, could continue to feature as the number 10. On one side of the Arsenal skipper could be Bukayo Saka on the right flank, whereas Christos Tzolis may also retain his berth in the team on the left wing.
Forward – Having been in solid form in the Premier League, Kai Havertz may be picked to lead the line for Arsenal once again ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.
Here is how the away team is expected to look on paper.
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