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Predicted Arsenal XI vs AS Monaco: Strong team for Emirates Cup

By James Cormack

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates his goal with teammates during a game between Barcelona and Arsenal at SoFi Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Trevor Ruszkowski/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates his goal with teammates during a game between Barcelona and Arsenal at SoFi Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Trevor Ruszkowski/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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The Gunners are back on home soil after spending over a week in the States as they prepare for the final phase of their pre-season.

Arsenal’s opening encounter of the 2023/24 Premier League season is less than two weeks away, but Mikel Arteta’s side are twice in action before Nottingham Forest come to town.

Their next assignment is the Emirates Cup against Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco. The Gunners have enjoyed plenty of success in the summer competition over the years, beating Sevilla 6-0 last time out.

However, Adi Hutter’s side will be a tricky proposition for Arteta’s men.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs AS Monaco

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick for the upcoming game at the Emirates.

Arsenal are back in action on Wednesday. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal are back in action on Wednesday. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – The David Raya will give Ramsdale a kick up the backside whether the Spaniard signs or not. It’s been a poor pre-season for Arsenal’s number one so far.

Ben White (RB) – White’s status as an undisputed starter is also under threat following Jurrien Timber’s arrival, but the Dutchman’s versatility should see the Englishman continue down the right on Wednesday.

William Saliba (CB) – It’s just so nice to have this bloke back, isn’t it? Missed ya, Wilo.

Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel put his mishap against Man Utd behind him and returned to his sturdy best in the win over Barcelona. He’ll continue alongside Saliba against Monaco.

Jurrien Timber (LB) – Oleksandr Zinchenko’s absence means Arteta has used multiple players at left-back this summer, but given Timber’s idealistic fit in the Spaniard’s defence, the new arrival is poised to be thrust into the starting XI again.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Declan Rice’s injury which kept him out of the Barça win isn’t thought to be a source of concern and he should play a part on Wednesday. Partey, however, has impressed in pre-season and deserves to retain his place.

Kai Havertz (CM) – Supporters would love to see some rotation here with Emile Smith Rowe an option for Arteta. However, Havertz showed signs of gathering momentum in this role at the end of the tour.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – It’s been a subdued summer for the skipper so far. He’ll want that to change before the season gets underway.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – The kid will simply never earn a rest.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – With his deputies struggling to assert themselves, Jesus remains the undisputed starter up top. The Brazilian has been in majestic form so far this summer, even if the goals haven’t flowed.

Leandro Trossard (LW) – Gabriel Martinelli is knocking on the door, but Trossard should keep his place down the left after scoring twice in the win over Barça. The Belgian’s been Arsenal’s star of the summer so far.