Pain in the Arsenal: Writers' 2021/22 season predictions

Pain in the Arsenal: Writers’ 2021/22 season predictions

Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal during the pre-season friendly football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at The Emirates Sadium in north London on August 1, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JULY 13: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal during the Pre-Season Friendly between Hibernian and Arsenal at Easter Road on July 13, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

Henry Payne

Twitter: @henry_vines

Final Premier League position: 5th

While I believe that Arsenal will improve upon their 8th place finish from last season, I can’t see them qualifying for the Champions League. As things stand, they simply lack the necessary creativity.

How far in FA Cup: Final

I expect two deep cup runs this season (provided the draws are favourable). Arsenal have lifted the FA Cup more than any other club, and I would not be surprised to see them do it again next year.

How far in Carabao Cup: Semi-final

Again, Arsenal should be able to capitalise on their lack of European football and their deep squad. However, they will lose to the inevitable winners (Manchester City) just before the final.

Player of the Year: Nicolas Pepe

Everything started to click for Nicolas Pépé towards the end of last season. The sky’s the limit for him, especially as Willian is no longer a threat to his minutes.

Breakout star: Gabriel Martinelli and/or Folarin Balogun

With Alexandre Lacazette’s future uncertain and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggling, I think one of these two will get a chance to lead the line at some point. I expect whoever gets that opportunity to take it with both hands.

Hot take: Ainsley Maitland-Niles reclaims the starting right-back spot

If he stays – and Arsenal don’t sign another right-back – I can see Ainsley Maitland-Niles becoming a starter once more. Upon his return from injury, Calum Chambers was surprisingly effective in attack. Nonetheless, his lack of quickness will undoubtedly be exploited if he remains the starter. Maitland-Niles may want to play in central midfield, but he suits Mikel Arteta’s system and is arguably the club’s best right-back.

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