The Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern are really looking forward to the start of the season…
It has been a relatively good summer for the Gunners, with the signing of Alexandre Lacazette a clear highlight, whilst the retention of Alexis Sanchez is, thus far, going very well indeed.
Though the season seemingly only ended a few days ago, pre-season has flown by and it is nearly time for the annual Premier League curtain raiser – the Community Shield.
Last season saw Manchester United come out on top, with Jose Mourinho picking up the first of a few trophies earned during his debut season in Manchester, and the win stood the Red Devils in a good position ahead of the new campaign.
For Arsenal, the coming season is particularly important, given their poor finish last year, and so they’ll want to win this one.
Arsenal won’t quite have their full strength team out given that their side has returned to training at different times, but their squad is still strong enough to bag a win.
With that said, this Arsenal XI is surely good enough to beat Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday…
GK – Petr Cech
Who else?
Petr Cech has been the number one at Arsenal for a while now, and that won’t change this season.
He has a lot to prove as he has shown signs of decline lately, but Wenger will give him the chance to do just that.
CB – Rob Holding
Rob Holding had a breakout season last year, and he’ll likely be given another chance to impress at the start of this season.
He’ll have to fight for his place, but a good performance will give him a great platform from which to build.
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Laurent Koscielny might be getting on, but he’s showing no sign of slowing down.
The Frenchman had a stellar campaign last year, and his leadership in this defence will be very important.
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Forced out of his regular position by new signing Sead Kolasinac, Nacho Monreal will likely still get a chance to impress in this role.
He’ll be looking to emulate opponent Cesar Azpilicueta in the position as he looks to make a name for himself in the heart of the Arsenal defence.
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With Hector Bellerin not yet back to match fitness, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will get a chance to impress.
He has looked good this summer in this role, so he could make it his own with a good performance.
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Always inconsistent, sometimes unstoppable.
Aaron Ramsey often begins the season on fire, and this season he will be looking to do the same. Expect him to impress in the middle of the park.
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Granit Xhaka had a mixed start to his Arsenal career last season, but he did show moments of brilliance.
He’ll want to add consistency to his game this year.
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Sead Kolasinac has made a fantastic start to life at Arsenal, with the defender making the left-wing back spot his own so far.
He’s proven to be a shrewd signing, but now he needs to impress at the highest level if he really wants to prove himself.
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Alex Iwobi has been on fire during pre-season, and he’ll want to take that form into the new season.
With uncertainty surrounding Alexis Sanchez, he’ll want to prove a point.
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Alexandre Lacazette is likely to make his full competitive debut for the Gunners, and all eyes will be on him.
He’ll want to get an early goal to take the pressure off, so Chelsea will be on alert.
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Mesut Ozil has had a quiet summer, but there is no doubting his quality.
He had been very up and down whilst at Arsenal, so he really needs to put in a good few performances – particularly given that his contract expires in a year.
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