Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brentford: White & Sambi debuts?

Arsenal take on Brentford in the opening fixture of the 2021/22 Premier League season with Thomas Frank’s side hosting Mikel Arteta’s men at the Brentford Community Stadium on Friday. Here is the predicted lineup.

Amid what can only be described as a transfer omnishambles, many might have forgotten for a moment that an actual football match is taking place involving a side in desperate need of three points. The season hasn’t even started yet and the mood needs lifting.

Concern is understandably mounting in and around north London with Arsenal struggling to complete either of the two components of a transfer window: selling and buying. Deals are falling through, moves are being backed out of and the starting lineup might look freakishly similar to what is was on May 23.

Arteta would have hoped for considerably more movement in and out of the club by this point but his and the fans worries should be centred towards a certain patch of west London turf instead. Needing to get off the mark nice and early with Chelsea and Manchester City to come up next in the Premier League, what team will the manager see fit to secure three points against the Bees?

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Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brentford: Ben White & Albert Sambi Lokonga Premier League debuts? Bukayo Saka back in the team?

The injury issues aren’t helping his cause, but they may make his selection that one bit easier.

In defence Gabriel has been ruled out until next month as a result of the knee injury he sustained while with Brazil, which comes as one of many unfortunate setbacks. He’s joined in the treatment room by Thomas Partey, who will also be unavailable until after the international break with an ankle issue of his own.

Further up the pitch, Eddie Nketiah will also be out until September with his own ankle problem, although whether or not he will be here to see out that injury remains to be seen.

It’s a big one. It’s the first one. It’s Brentford vs Arsenal in the opening match of the Premier League season. What are we expecting?

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – The easiest decision Arteta will ever have to make with his team selections. If it wasn’t the German it’d be either Alex Runarsson (not very good) or Arthur Okonkwo (yet to prove he’s good at this level). We all cross our fingers Leno stays fit.

Calum Chambers (RB) – While Hector Bellerin started last time out against Tottenham, for the balancing act Arteta wants from his full-backs and because Chambers is the best of three options, it will be the long-time servant.

Ben White (CB) – Nailed on. Looked head and shoulders above previous central defensive options in his appearance against Tottenham and if that minuscule sample size is anything to go off then it’s £50m well spent. Getting carried away? Well, we have to.

Pablo Mari (CB) – Unless Arteta fancies giving everyone a heart attack on Friday and fielding Sead Kolasinac at centre-back, the only option for this position is Mari.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Nuno Tavares will provide some much-needed backup at left-back but a fully fit Tierney starts every single week. Arsenal sorely need him.