Arsenal predicted lineup vs Brentford: White & Sambi debuts?

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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 01: Granit Zhaka of Arsenal in action during the Pre Season Friendly match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 01, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – This is the move that all the supporters have been asking for. If Mohamed Elneny starts against the Bees the stomach churning feeling we all have may culminate in the need for a mop and bucket.

Elneny and Partey? Yeah we can live with that. Elneny and Xhaka? No thank you.

So there is nothing to worry about as Sambi Lokonga will make his Premier League debut from the start. The 21-year-old has looked brilliant in pre-season and him starting alongside a certain Swiss eluded to this being Arteta’s selection for this one.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Everyone preparing for the next batch of team lineups never thought they’d be typing in Xhaka’s name again. It is genuinely a major shock to see the 28-year-old still in red and white. He looked destined to leave.

Even if just for the next three games, praise the lord he didn’t go. With Partey out, the Xhaka and Sambi combination can continue to blend.

Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – There was some debate over whether Arteta would plump for his other No. 10 in this one.

(ha, ha, ha)

It’s Smith Rowe and Smith Rowe only. Fortunately for us he’s absolutely magnificent and we’re all over the moon to see him in the league donning that No. 10 shirt.

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