Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Sevilla – Arteta goes strong for Emirates Cup

The Emirates Cup is back, ladies and gentlemen!

Following a three-year absence, the one-off (previously a four-team tournament) contest returns to north London as Arsenal take on Sevilla just six days before their 2022/23 Premier League campaign gets underway at Selhurst Park.

The Gunners have enjoyed a fantastic pre-season thus far and the feeling surrounding the club at the moment is nothing quite like we’ve seen in a very long time. Division has been usurped by unity, and Mikel Arteta’s vision is becoming clearer by the day. The Spaniard’s certainly been helped by Edu, who ensured several of the manager’s priority targets were acquired in the market.

As a result, Arsenal are in a great place to build on last season’s fifth-place finish and on Saturday, the Gunners will have the chance to manifest the palpable excitement that’s brimming out of the club’s cannon in front of an emotional home support.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Sevilla in the Emirates Cup

Here’s the XI Arteta could pick for Saturday’s Emirates Cup clash against Sevilla.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Ramsdale kept his first clean sheet of pre-season last weekend and he’ll continue between the sticks on Saturday.

Ben White (RB) – White deputised at right-back in Orlando and he’ll continue there until Takehiro Tomiyasu returns.

William Saliba (CB) – One of the stars of pre-season. Everybody’s been impressed with Saliba this summer, and this will be one final chance to showcase his talent ahead of next Friday’s tricky trip to Selhurst Park.

Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel’s been a reliable partner for Saliba thus far and I think the pair complement each other pretty well. The Brazilian’s aggression and ruggedness are required in this Arsenal defence.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – The Ukrainian was thrust straight into the deep end barely 24 hours after his move from Manchester City was made official. Zinchenko performed well against the Blues last time out, and I’m sure Arteta will want to hand him more than 45 minutes on Saturday. Kieran Tierney could make his return off the bench.

Midfielders

Mohamed Elneny (DM) – While Thomas Partey was spotted in training on Friday, I just don’t see how he can play here given his situation. Elneny should deputise for the Ghanaian.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Fabio Vieira was spotted in training ahead of the weekend, but he shouldn’t start on Saturday. Supporters would love to see him come off the bench, though. Odegaard’s been excellent this summer and he’ll lead the side out at the Emirates.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka impressed against Chelsea, proving that he could co-exist with Zinchenko in the side. I think the Swiss will keep his place in midfield and operate deep in the left half-space.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka scored his second goal of pre-season last time out as he continues to get up to match speed. It’d be a surprise to see Arsenal’s young superstar not make Arteta’s XI for this bout.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – This is who everybody wants to see. The Emirates faithful are going to love this guy, and they’ll get their first glimpse of him as a Gooner on Saturday. Jesus has been the star of the summer.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Martinelli looks to be gathering momentum heading into the new season. He was excellent against Chelsea last weekend and is poised to retain his place in the XI.