Confirmed Arsenal XI vs Coventry City: Arteta makes two changes, Saka returns but £63.5m star on bench
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has unveiled his starting XI for the opening Premier League clash against newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners enter the new campaign as champions, having ended a 22-year wait for the English league title last season.
However, their title triumph was far from straightforward, with Manchester City pushing Arsenal all the way before eventually falling short.
Manager Mikel Arteta now wants his side to take another giant leap forward and establish themselves as one of the most dominant forces in Europe.
Arsenal have already made a statement this season, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Man City in the FA Community Shield final last weekend.
Arteta has made two changes to his starting XI from that encounter.
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David Raya has claimed the Premier League Golden Glove in each of the last three seasons and will be determined to make it four in a row. He starts between the sticks once again.
Ben White retains his place at right-back despite continued speculation over his future this summer.
Gabriel Magalhaes will marshal the defence alongside highly rated youngster Cristhian Mosquera.
Riccardo Calafiori made the perfect start against City by scoring inside the opening minute, and he will be eager to make another attacking contribution today.
An injury to summer signing Bruno Guimaraes has forced Arteta into a midfield reshuffle, with Declan Rice stepping into the starting XI.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has once again been trusted ahead of Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino in the middle of the park.
Christos Tzolis caught the eye with two assists against City and has been rewarded with another starting opportunity on the left wing.
Martin Odegaard will operate behind Kai Havertz, with the German leading the Arsenal attack.
Viktor Gyokeres starts on the bench, but the £63.5 million signing could be unleashed in the second half as Arteta looks to manage his minutes.
Bukayo Saka returns to the starting XI, replacing Noni Madueke on the right flank.
Saka has dealt with some fitness concerns, but the Arsenal superstar will be eager to play his part from the start as the champions begin their title defence.
Confirmed Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1):
David Raya, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Myles-Lewis Smelly, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis, Kai Havertz.
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