Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Athletic Bilbao - Emirates Cup

Arsenal conclude their pre-season campaign on Saturday afternoon as they take on Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup.

The Gunners fell to their second successive defeat in their latest outing as they lost 3-2 at home to Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine went two goals up thanks to finishes from Nicolas Pepe and Karl Etta Eyong, but Christian Norgaard pulled one back before half-time.

Mikel Arteta's side couldn't complete the comeback however, with Arnaut Danjuma finishing a swift counterattack to restore his side's two-goal lead and render a late Martin Odegaard penalty worthless.

As Arsenal look to end their pre-season on a high note with their season opening trip to Manchester United just over a week away, Arteta may look to field a stronger side.

Here's how we think the Gunners could line up against Athletic Bilbao.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Athletic Bilbao (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - Raya looked a bit shaky against Villarreal with their first two goals being on the rebound from his saves, albeit not completely his fault, but he should start again on Saturday.

Ben White (RB) - He impressed once again last time out and with Jurrien Timber only just returning from injury, he will continue on the right side of defence.

William Saliba (CB) - He was the best defender in the previous game and should start as a key part of the backline once again.

Jakub Kiwior (CB) - Struggled against Villarreal and some could argue he was at fault for the first goal. However with Gabriel still being eased back into action, Kiwior will continue in defence this time round.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - He looks certain to be his side's first-choice left back for the upcoming season and will start against Bilbao.

Midfielders

Martin Zubimendi (DM) - He came off the bench at half-time against Villarreal and caused problems with his passing as well as battling well with the opposition. He should start at the base of midfield on Saturday.

Ethan Nwaneri (CM) - Off the back of signing a new contract following another impressive performance, he could start against Bilbao and keep captain Martin Odegaard out of the side once again.

Declan Rice (CM) - Started the defeat to Villarreal on the bench, but should begin this game after Mikel Merino's mixed display in the left number eight position.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Wasn't at his best last time out, but did cause a few issues and will look to do better as he starts on the right flank once again against Bilbao.

Viktor Gyokeres (ST) - A frustrating home debut for the new signing, but he had some promising moments and that should warrant him a spot in the starting XI on Saturday.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - Another who didn't look entirely up to scratch in the last outing, but with other options unavailable and Noni Madueke not fully ready, Martinelli should continue on the left side.

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