Arsenal had a woeful 2020-21 season, finishing eighth on the Premier League table with just 61 points. Such poor form means they will not be playing in Europe this time around and right now, their biggest task will be to somehow get back into the top-four.
The Gunners kick off their 21/22 Premier League season with a relatively easy game against newly-promoted side Brentford and while they are still sorting out their mess, Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to pick up all three points on Friday.
The fans are expecting their side to bounce back this season but if their pre-season games are anything to go by then the North London side might be dealing in meritocracy once again. They have not won even one of their pre-season friendlies, losing to Chelsea, Spurs and Hibernian and drawing another game against Rangers FC.
Brentford should not pose too big a challenge when these two sides meet on Friday so this is the perfect chance for Arsenal to get their campaign off to a winning start.
Arsenal team news vs Brentford:
As Arsenal continue their hunt for a new keeper, Bernd Leno will return in front of goal against Brentford.
Ben White is Arsenal’s marquee signing of the summer and since Gabriel remains sidelined with an injury, he will go start into central defence alongside Pablo Mari. Rob Holding has been linked with an exit plus he also remains an injury concern so he is not likely to start on Friday.
Hector Bellerin is another player who could head for the exit door this month so it should be Calum Chambers who will play as the right-back. Kieran Tierney will reprise his role on the left-hand side of the backline.
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Granit Xhaka was on the verge of leaving but the Gunners have chosen not to sell him to Roma. This means he will be one half of the central midfield duo for the side.
Thomas Partey picked up an injury during pre-season and is expected to be on the sidelines for a few weeks. In his absence, Elneny will hopefully pair up with Xhaka.
Arsenal have also signed midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga but he will have to be content with a player on the bench for the opening game.
Mikel Arteta is also eager to bring in a new creative midfielder before deadline day but until that wish is fulfilled, he will have to name young Emile Smith Rowe as the No 10.
Lacazette has been put up for sale by the club but they are yet to find a buyer for him. This means the Frenchman will remain as the first-choice centre-forward for the opening matchweek.
Aubameyang had an average season last time around but his manager will be hoping that he can pull up his socks and guide the side during the new season. Nicolas Pepe is the first preference to start down the right flank.
Young Bukayo Saka had a really stressful campaign with England during the Euros so we think the manager will want to ease him back into the season.
Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Brentford:
Predicted Starting Line-up: Bernd Leno; Ben White, Mari, Tierney, Chambers; Xhaka, Elneny, Emile Smith Rowe; Nicolas Pepe, Aubameyang, Lacazette.
