Arsenal FC manager Mikel Arteta has a squad that is nearly fully fit as the season opener approaches. Other than Gabriel Jesus, who remains on the shelf as a long-term absentee, forward Leandro Trossard is the only injury concern here.
Trossard has a knock that will make him a late fitness test kind of situation for this game. He might be moving out on loan before deadline passes anyway.
Season Opener FYIs
Kickoff: Sunday August 17, 4:30pm, Old Trafford, Manchester, UK
Team News: Manchester United Arsenal
Starting Lineup Predictions: Manchester United Arsenal
Google’s Result Probability: Manchester United win 27% Draw 27% Arsenal win 46%
Strongest Possible United Starting XI When Everyone is Healthy: go here
United Legend Wes Brown on United’s Scoring Problems: go here
Gunners Team News
In terms of the starting lineup, is Jurrien Timber ready for a starting assignment? He missed most of the preseason through injury, but he’s match fit now.
Noni Madueke is still settling in after he made the move from West London (Chelsea) to North London. Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres obviously pick themselves in the final third, and we think Gabe Martinelli is probably the best choice to round out the attack.
Arsenal Starting Lineup Prediction at Manchester United
David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Miles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres; Gabriel Martinelli
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Washington Post and ESPN. You can follow him on Linked In and Twitter