Arsenal were triumphant in the Barclays Asia Trophy, as the Gunners beat Premier League rivals Everton in the final. However, Arsene Wenger’s side are set for a much tougher test in the Emirates Cup.
They kick off the competition with a challenging clash against Ligue 1 heavyweights Olympic Lyonnaise, and the north London giants are set to name their strongest side for the opening fixture.
Arsenal have failed to win their our tournament since 2010 – and will certainly be looking to rectify this, and claim maximum silverware – with the FA Community also to come – ahead of the 2015-16 campaign.
Take a look how Wenger’s side could line up on Saturday afternoon…
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GK – Petr Cech
The former Chelsea goalkeeper is poised to become the Gunners’ new No.1 with the futures of Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina uncertain.
It’s likely Cech will be handed maximum minutes in preparation for his first season north of the capital.
RB – Hector Bellerin
The Spaniard was arguably lucky to have been handed his first-team chance last season following Mathieu Debuchy’s injury – but could now be the long-term regular at right-back as a result of his excellent performances.
CB – Per Mertesacker
Question marks still remain on the German’s ability to lead Arsenal in Europe; however, Koscienly and Mertesacker have developed an excellent understanding his defence.
CB – Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman could face competition from January arrival Gabriel Paulista next season, yet the 29-year-old remains the Gunners’ finest centre-back.
LB – Nacho Monreal
We are likely to see Spaniards on either flank, with Monreal displacing Kieran Gibbs last season. The 29-year-old has improved massively since his arrival at the club, and deserves to be our first choice left-back.
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DM – Francis Coquelin
It seems increasingly unlikely that Wenger has or will enter the summer market for a new defensive midfielder, which seems to suggest that Coquelin is the long-term prospect in the position.
CM – Santi Cazorla
There is a plethora of options in the Arsenal midfield now that Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey look to have recovered from their injury problems suffered last season. Cazorla, however, has been arguably the most reliable performer in central midfield, and could remain first-choice.
CAM – Mesut Ozil
The former Real Madrid playmaker is reportedly set to be handed a permanent No.10 role throughout the 2015-16 season, which must please Gunners supporters perhaps left wondering why their record-signing’s talents are arguably wasted in a wide role so often.
The 21-year-old is certainly a huge threat when in top form, and the midfielder will be looking to impress this summer with competition from Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott.
ST – Olivier Giroud
Few can deny that Arsenal need better up front and the north London giants continue to be linked with Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema. Giroud, therefore, will be out to silence any critics this summer against tough opponents Lyon and Vfl Wolfsburg.
LW – Theo Walcott
Since his return from injury, the England international has been in excellent form in front of goal, and while he is likely itching for a leading centre-forward role, it’s likely Wenger will continue to employ his No.14 out wide.
