Arsenal (Getty Images)
In the curtain-raiser, Arsenal will be visiting newly promoted side Fulham to kick start their campaign on 12th September. The Gunners will be riding high on confidence after winning two trophies in their last 2 competitive games, dispatching the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool.
Fulham would want to make it a tough game by all means but if history is anything to go by, the home side have a very poor record against the Gunners in the last few meetings where they have lost 5 and drawn 1. It all points to a relatively easy win for Arsenal.
Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel Martinelli are ruled out with long-term injuries and will not be a part of the matchday squad. Mesut Ozil could return to the fold after his injury layoff. Other than that, Arsenal will have a fully fit squad to choose from, with the new signings likely to be a part of the squad.
This is where things get interesting. Bernd Leno was in decent form before he was injured and Emiliano Martinez took over. Leno was always the preferred keeper in the league and that might just be the case against Fulham.
After waiting for a year, fans can finally see Saliba in action for their club. A lot of eyes will be on him and everyone would want to know how he performs on his debut.
Luiz may not be a fan favourite due to error-prone nature but he remains one of the most experienced heads in the team.
Another new acquisition for Arsenal, Gabriel is expected to shore up Arsenal’s defence alongside Luiz and Saliba.
After missing a large chunk of games last season due to injuries, Tierney showed his passion and drive in the final few games. He is currently first-choice at left-back and will continue to start.
Ceballos is back at the club for another season and will look to continue from where he left off last season.
After a revival of sorts under Arteta, Xhaka will hope to produce good performances once again, starting against Fulham.
Bellerin would be the preferred choice ahead of Maitland-Niles and Cedric.
Pepe had a slow start to his Arsenal career. Since then, he has shown his potential and will be expected to do the same this season, with Fulham being one of the less fancied teams.
Arsenal’s shining ray of light last season, Aubameyang will be one of the most important players in the team should he stay and renew his contract.
Willian’s quality has never been in doubt. He will hope to prove the same and get his debut for his new club in the first league game of the season.
