Arsenal vs Coventry: Predicted starting 11 for first Premier League game of the season
Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City on Friday night.
The Gunners made light work of Manchester City in their last outing as they thrashed them 3-0 to win the Community Shield. Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard fired their side to victory in the season's curtain raiser.
Mikel Arteta has decisions to make ahead of tomorrow's game with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber unavailable for injury, and Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice requiring careful management of their fitness in the opening weeks of the campaign. The Spaniard will take these factors into consideration as he names a strong side for his team's opening clash.
Here's how Arsenal could line up against Coventry.
David Raya (GK) - He was excellent in the Community Shield and he will be eager to make a good start to the season with his eye on winning a fourth consecutive Golden Glove award.
Ben White (RB) - With Jurrien Timber unavailable through injury, White will be the starter at right back and he will be looking to send a message that he can be the first-choice as his counterpart edges closer to a return.
Cristhian Mosquera (CB) - Like White, Cristhian Mosquera will be keen to make a statement as he starts on the right side of the centre pairing. Ezri Konsa likely won't be registered in time to make his debut, but he will have his eye on displacing the Spaniard while William Saliba is absent.
Gabriel Magalhães (CB) - He was on top form at the Millennium Stadium and helped keep City's attack very quiet. Gabriel will be looking to do the same to Coventry tomorrow night.
Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - His opening goal after just 24 seconds set Arsenal on their way to victory against City. He might not do the same tomorrow night, but his display in Cardiff has earned him another starting role for the season opener.
Martin Ødegaard (CM) - The captain was simply outstanding in the Community Shield and showed that he is capable of returning to his best form. Ødegaard will start against Coventry as he looks to build on that performance and go back to his former self.
Bruno Guimarães (CM) - Declan Rice is likely to be afforded some extra rest which will allow Guimarães to start the game and make his Premier League debut for Arsenal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (CM) - He seems to have put any speculation his future very much behind him with two great showings in his last two games, and he will be looking to replicate those once again as he starts against Coventry.
Bukayo Saka (RW) - The only change from the Community Shield win, Saka will come in for Noni Madueke on the right flank, but likely won't complete the full 90 minutes as he continues to manage his fitness.
Kai Havertz (ST) - His goal against City is enough to see him start once again and he will be eager to rise to the occasion once again, as he has done so often for Arsenal. This will be the start of an interesting battle between Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres for the starting striker spot.
Christos Tzolis (LW) - He has proven himself as a worthy signing throughout pre-season and his performance on Sunday alone is enough to see him start on the left wing against Coventry.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Coventry City: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Ødegaard, Guimarães, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Havertz, Tzolis
Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations
