Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Crystal Palace: 4-3-3 for 2022/23 season opener

It was months, then weeks, then days, and now it’s a mere matter of hours until Arsenal’s 2022/23 Premier League campaign gets underway.

For the second campaign running, the Gunners will open their account away from home on a Friday night. Their last experience at the Brentford Community Stadium was chastening, but supporters are confident that it’ll be a little different at Selhurst Park on this occasion.

Mikel Arteta’s side have impressed in pre-season with new arrivals Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko slotting in seamlessly. The returning William Saliba, meanwhile, is poised to have an immediate impact at the heart of defence.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Crystal Palace: 4-3-3 for season opener

Expectations are high among Gooners for 2022/23, and I’m sure the manager himself will be confident of his side’s chances heading into the new season.

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick for Arsenal’s opening night encounter away at Crystal Palace.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Arsenal’s new number one. As long as he’s fit, Ramsdale will start every Premier League encounter for the foreseeable future.

Ben White (RB) – White suits the right-back role in Arteta’s system, with his role in possession giving him the freedom to express his technical proficiency. He looked comfortable in pre-season deputising for Takehiro Tomiyasu.

William Saliba (CB) – One of the stars of pre-season. Saliba’s return is huge for Arteta and Arsenal. Many thought he’d take some time to emerge as a first-choice option, but that simply hasn’t been the case.

Gabriel (CB) – Partnering Saliba is Gabriel. The Brazilian endured a poor outing on this ground back in April, so he’ll be looking to redeem himself somewhat on Friday night.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Zinchenko’s versatility is so incredibly exciting. He can fulfil both Kieran Tierney’s marauding role, as well as an inverted function. The Ukrainian’s poised to start over the undercooked KT at Selhurst Park.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – This will be the first time Partey’s been available for Arsenal’s first league outing of the season. His importance to Arteta’s side was on full display during the club’s collapse to conclude 2021/22.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – This Swiss bloke is inevitable, eh? Just when you think the club will move on from him, Xhaka pulls out a few superb pre-season performances. He’s an invaluable leader, and he’ll provide much-needed coverage for Partey in defensive transition.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The new skipper! Odegaard has dazzled already this summer after enjoying a breakout 2021/22. He’ll be the chief creative force on Friday night.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – We head into the new season with Saka as the overwhelming first choice to start down Arsenal’s right. Nicolas Pepe is an outcasted option, while Fabio Vieira is a possibility once he returns to full fitness. Saka, though, will start on Friday.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – How excited are we all to see this guy in league action? The most picked FPL player of all time (apparently) is considered by some as a dark horse for the Golden Boot following his scintillating pre-season. Will he be able to open his account on opening night?

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Many are projecting a big year for Arsenal’s new number 11, and he’ll get the opportunity to open his account in south London. The Brazilian came into his own to round off pre-season.