Arteta's 6 Starting Choices: Arsenal vs Shakhtar - A Look at the Lineup
The Gunners are back in action! After a tough loss to Manchester City, Mikel Arteta's boys face Shakhtar Donetsk in a pre-season friendly. This game is a chance for Arsenal to get back on track and build some momentum before the season starts. But with the new season right around the corner, it's gonna be interesting to see what team Arteta puts out there.
So, what are Arteta's six starting choices? Let's break it down.
1. New signing: Havertz leads the line
The big news is that Kai Havertz looks set to start up front. The German is Arsenal's most expensive signing this summer, and it's clear Arteta's hoping he can lead the line. This could be a big test for Havertz, as he tries to adapt to his new surroundings. He'll be hoping for a good performance to show the fans what he can do.
2. Martin Ødegaard is back in the engine room
Martin Ødegaard will be pulling the strings in midfield. He's one of Arsenal's most important players, and Arteta will be counting on him to provide creativity and control. Ødegaard's got a great understanding of the game, so he'll be instrumental in setting the tempo of the game.
3. Defensive stability with White and Saliba
In defence, Ben White and William Saliba are likely to be the center-back pairing. This is a solid foundation for Arsenal, with both players showing their quality last season. They're gonna need to be on their toes against Shakhtar, but I'm confident they can handle the pressure.
4. Tomiyasu brings experience to the right-back spot
Takehiro Tomiyasu will be back at right-back. He's a reliable defender who brings experience to the side. With Saka bombing forward, Tomiyasu will need to be solid defensively and provide support when needed.
5. Tierney back in the fold for the left-back spot
After a tough injury, Kieran Tierney is looking to get back to his best at left-back. This is a big boost for Arsenal, as Tierney is a natural left-back with a great attacking presence. Hopefully, he can find his rhythm in this game.
6. Ramsdale to start between the sticks
Aaron Ramsdale will be in goal. He's proven to be a reliable goalkeeper, and Arteta will be looking to him for a solid performance. The pressure is on Ramsdale to keep a clean sheet and give Arsenal a good foundation to build on.
This lineup has a good mix of experience and talent. It's a lineup that should be able to compete with Shakhtar. It'll be interesting to see how Arteta's starting choices pan out. Will they be able to secure a victory and build momentum for the new season? Only time will tell. Let's Go Gunners!