How Arsenal could line up against Sevilla with Jesus and Zinchenko starting as Arteta looks to forget Brentford blip
ARSENAL host Sevilla in the Emirates Cup for their final pre-season match on Saturday.
And Mikel Arteta almost has a full strength squad at his disposal, though he is still missing first-team trio Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe.
Picking a right-back could be the Spaniard’s biggest dilemma against Sevilla, who finished as runners-up in the Emirates Cup in 2017.
Cedric Soares deputised for Tomiyasu last season when the Japanese was unavailable, but Ben White could be moved to full-back which would allow a place in the side for William Saliba.
Gooners will be keen to get their eyes on the Frenchman following his impressive pre-season form, with Saliba possibly partnering Gabriel in central defence.
Oleksandr Zinchenko will likely play at left-back – already showing why his versatility will be vital to Arsenal this season.
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
He made a winning start to his Arsenal career in the 4-0 demolition of Chelsea, with fellow summer signing Gabriel Jesus grabbing his fourth goal of pre-season against the Blues.
Jesus was brought off against Chelsea but is believed to be fit to start against Sevilla, and the Brazilian could light up the Emirates in his first appearance at the stadium in Arsenal colours.
He will feed off service from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, who are all sure to start given Smith Rowe’s fitness woes.
Granit Xhaka is another certain starter and could be joined in midfield by Mohamed Elneny, with summer signing Fabio Vieira having an outside chance of making the team after returning to training last week.
Most read in Football
PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW FOR FREE WITH £100k IN PRIZE MONEY
Arteta also has Sambi Lokonga and Thomas Partey to call upon with the latter starting in the victory over Chelsea.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles also had a chance to impress against Brentford last time out, as did Eddie Nketiah, but both are likely to be named on the bench following the 2-1 loss to the Bees.