Arsenal XI vs Villarreal: Madueke debut, Gyokeres starts, Zubimendi in midfield, confirmed lineup, team news for friendly today…

Gyokeres is set to start, with Zubimendi in midfield – Arsenal’s predicted lineup against Villarreal.

Both Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi are anticipated to be in the starting lineup for Arsenal in their second-to-last pre-season friendly against Villarreal.

Arsenal has returned to England and is back at the Emirates Stadium, facing La Liga’s Villarreal. The Gunners had a successful trip to Asia, gaining valuable playing time, but it concluded with a disappointing loss to Tottenham and an injury to Leandro Trossard.

Riccardo Calafiori also sustained an injury during the tour, and neither player was seen in training on Monday. Nevertheless, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Jurrien Timber, who all took part in the training session alongside new signing Noni Madueke, provided a significant boost.

With less than two weeks remaining before the Premier League season kicks off, Arteta will be considering the upcoming match against Manchester United as he finalizes his starting XI. Keeping that in mind, here is the predicted lineup for this afternoon’s match according to football.london.

David Raya

He experienced a rather embarrassing incident against Spurs, where he played the ball into midfield, only for it to be intercepted and subsequently lobbed by Sarr. With Kepa now in the squad, there is increased competition for the goalkeeper position that Raya must be mindful of.

Ben White

As Jurrien Timber gradually works his way back into the team, Ben White is expected to maintain his position as right-back for the time being. He has appeared much sharper this summer, and it is hoped that he has overcome some of the issues stemming from the knee surgery he had last season.

William Saliba

The French defender has been exceptional at the back, making impressive tackles and demonstrating his athleticism. However, he is currently without his primary defensive partner, although Gabriel is on the path to returning to action ahead of the new season.

Jakub Kiwior

In Gabriel’s absence, Jakub Kiwior steps in, having attracted interest from overseas this summer. The Gunners are said to have rejected a bid from Porto for Kiwior, who they hope will remain after demonstrating his capabilities at the conclusion of last season.

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Arsenal’s left side has garnered significant attention, placing 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly under the spotlight. He must prove that the left flank can be a formidable asset for the team, and he may need to diversify his playing style to achieve this.

Martin Zubimendi

One of the standout signings of the summer, Zubimendi offers supporters their first real opportunity to observe him live at the Emirates Stadium. There is palpable excitement surrounding Zubimendi’s arrival and the potential impact he will have on the midfield.

Declan Rice

Once again a key figure on Arsenal’s left, can Declan Rice elevate his performance to new heights? Increasing his goal tally and creating more opportunities for his teammates will be on his agenda, but Rice has been exceptional for the club and continues to be a pivotal presence in the midfield.

Martin Odegaard

Following a challenging season, the club captain has appeared much more dynamic this pre-season. He faces competition from Ethan Nwaneri, and even 15-year-old Max Dowman, who may see some playing time on Wednesday, is showcasing the talent present in the youth ranks of the attacking midfield positions, prompting Odegaard to elevate his game accordingly.

Bukayo Saka

Consistently a major threat during pre-season, many are questioning what this season holds for Bukayo Saka. Can he elevate his performance to match the standards set by players like Mohamed Salah? That is certainly the target for the England international.

Gabriel Martinelli

The issue lies in Arsenal’s left wing position. Gabriel Martinelli faces a significant season ahead if he stays with the club, needing to demonstrate that he has not plateaued and can comfortably reach double digits in goals, outmaneuver his opponents, and play a crucial role in the attack. If he fails to do so, summer signing Noni Madueke may have a say in the matter.

Viktor Gyokeres

As the main attraction, Viktor Gyokeres is set to make his unofficial debut at the Emirates Stadium, and with all the pressure on him, one question lingers. Will Arsenal supporters witness the Bane celebration? We are all certainly looking forward to it.