Arsenal kick off the 2022-23 Premier League season on Friday night against Crystal Palace. The Gunners travel to Selhurst Park to play their first game of the season. Crystal Palace, managed by former Arsenal player Patrick Vieira, pose an intimidating threat to Arteta’s men. How could the Gunners line up against the Eagles?

Goal Keeper

Aaron Ramsdale: Mikel Arteta has rotated between Aaron Ramsdale and new signing Matt Turner during the pre-season. Ramsdale was Arsenal’s go-to man throughout last season. The Englishman’s distribution and acrobatic saves went a long way in ensuring the Gunners’ return to European football. Ramsdale will most likely start between the posts yet again this season.

Defense

Ben White (RB): Takehiro Tomiyasu missed out on pre-season nursing an injury. The Japanese international has returned to training but is sorely short of match fitness. Arteta used Ben White as a right-back in pre-season with great success. White adds a different aspect to the team’s build-up game deeper in the field. The Englishman also provides greater defensive stability, allowing the winger to bomb forward in the final-third.

William Saliba (RCB): William Saliba returned from a brilliant loan spell at Marseille and finally seems to have his Arsenal career up and running. With White being deployed as a full-back, the Frenchman has acted as the progressive outlet in central defence. He has also demonstrated excellent strength, speed, composure, and awareness at the heart of the defence. One to watch out for this season.

Gabriel (LCB): Gabriel has been Arsenal’s primary left centre-back since 2019. The Brazilian is a solid reader of the game and offers good physicality and prowess. He has demonstrated a good understanding with Saliba in pre-season. Arteta will be looking to develop on the connection right from the get-go in the Premier League.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB): The Gunners moved Nuno Tavares on loan to Marseille a few days ago. Oleksandr Zinchenko was signed from Manchester City to provide competition to Kieran Tierney. The Ukrainian has quickly settled into Arteta’s system, offering two quality performances in pre-season. On the other hand, the Scot missed out on pre-season completely. The former Celtic full-back has returned to training but has to be eased back into the squad.

Midfield

Thomas Partey (DM): Partey has been entrusted as Arsenal’s starting pivot in pre-season. The Gunners also have the options of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny. However, it seems most probable that the Ghanaian will be deployed in the role just ahead of the backline.

Martin Odegaard (RCM): Odegaard enjoyed a fantastic 2021-22 season in the play-maker role. The Norwegian was utilised effectively in the right half-space, with the options of cutting in or drifting wide. This season, the midfielder has further been entrusted with the captaincy of the squad. Arsenal’s new boy Fabio Vieira has also returned to training. The Portuguese would also be looking to get his first minutes in an Arsenal jersey this weekend against Crystal Palace but is most likely to come off the bench.

Granit Xhaka (LCM): Xhaka has worked well alongside Partey and Odegaard throughout last season and even in pre-season. Albert Sambi Lokonga has also enjoyed an encouraging build-up to the season. However, the Swiss remains crucial to the side and is unlikely to start on the bench when he’s fit and firing.

Attack

Bukayo Saka (RW): Saka has also been a crucial player for the North London side and Arteta over the last year. The 20-year-old Arsenal youngster has shown great chemistry with Martin Odegaard on the right, and is all but guaranteed to start from the wide position against Crystal Palace.

Gabriel Jesus (ST): Gabriel Jesus signed from Manchester City this summer. The Brazilian has begun his stint with the Gunners all cylinders firing. Jesus has recorded 7 goals in just 5 pre-season games. This included a classy hattrick in the 6-0 thrashing of Sevilla. Arsenal also have the option of Eddie Nketiah.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW): Martinelli was entrusted as Arsenal’s left-winger midway through last season. The Brazilian has retained the trust during pre-season too. The 21-year-old forward has floated between the wings and central positions, exchanging positions with Jesus seamlessly.

Read More:

• Another Arsenal Defender has Joined Ligue 1 Club Olympique Marseille on Loan
• The 2022-23 Season Opener | Team News, Injury Updates, and Probable Lineup – Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
• Fenerbahce Make Contact With Arsenal to Sign Out-of-Favour Centre-Back, Talks Already Initiated

Score Prediction

The Eagles are a well-coached side with talented players across multiple positions. Crystal Palace troubled Arsenal last season, allowing just one point of a possible 6 across two games. However, Arteta’s men are in top form now. The Gunners enter the game on the back of a hugely impressive pre-season, and on high morale. They are undoubtedly targeting a top-4 finish this season, and will look to get off to a strong start.

In what promises to be a challenging game, the North London side to come out with a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.

How could Arsenal line up against Crystal Palace? Are you excited for the start of the season? Pour your thoughts down in the comments!