Gyokeres and Zubimendi start, Madueke decision and Calafiori call – Arsenal line-ups vs Man Utd

Arsenal take on Manchester United in the first Premier League match of the new season as they hope to kick their title chase off in the perfect way. It does not come without pressure, especially in a stadium where the Gunners have struggled to secure regular victories.

Ruben Amorim has had time to integrate many of his signings, and could also see Benjamin Sesko perhaps make his debut against the side that were keen on signing the Slovenian this summer. Instead, the Gunners brought in Viktor Gyokeres, who is also in line to start at Old Trafford.

There is now a great deal of depth in the Arsenal team, which makes it much trickier to pick the starting XI compared to the previous season. With this in mind, football.london's writers take a look at who they would start to try and overcome Man Utd.

Tom Canton

The match against Athletic Club provided some real insight into what Mikel Arteta’s best current starting XI might be. While there were still some issues that must be addressed, the midfield structure was particularly encouraging, with the old 4-3-3 appearing to have changed.

One of the bigger calls for me is deciding to start Noni Madueke on the left, giving Amorim a problem with his right-hand side and a player who can deliver dangerous balls into the box for Gyokeres. Gabriel Martinelli can then come on later in the game, in the hope of catching some tired legs and building more confidence in him.

I would go with Riccardo Calafiori at left back in the hope that we see consistency and reliability in his game. But the depth from the bench could truly be Arteta's real weapon in these fixtures.

Canton's Arsenal XI vs Man Utd: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke.

Josh Holland

Despite the transfer business being completed this summer, Arsenal’s XI for the 2025/26 season isn't that different to the one which ended the last one.

David Raya starts in goal with a strong back four consisting of Ben White on the right, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in the middle and Riccardo Calafiori on the left. Myles Lewis-Skelly will be disappointed not to be selected, but the Italian's inclusion makes sense.

Arteta has options in midfield and the three who take the pitch at Old Trafford will all offer something different. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are guaranteed starters with Martin Zubimendi getting the nod alongside them.

The front three selected should have a field day against United. Ruben Amorim hasn't improved his defence this summer and they conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last season. Bukayo Saka starts on the right with Noni Madueke taking up a position on the left. For me, Viktor Gyokeres starts with the opportunity to announce himself in the Premier League with a goal against United in front of the TV cameras.

Holland's Arsenal XI vs Man Utd: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke.

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