Arsenal Predicted XI vs Coventry: Arteta Faces Midfield Dilemma

Mikel Arteta faces a selection dilemma for Arsenal's Premier League opener against Coventry on Friday night, with the Gunners looking to build on their dominant Community Shield win over Manchester City.

Community Shield Impressions

Arsenal were superb in Cardiff, and the temptation for Arteta could be to stick with near enough the same lineup, even with big stars available again. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both came off the bench against City to start their campaigns, having played no part in pre-season following post-World Cup breaks.

Saka looks likely to come into the side on the right wing, while Arteta faces a real selection headache in midfield. The trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Odegaard were brilliant in the Community Shield.

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Midfield and Attack Decisions

Lewis-Skelly started every pre-season match and impressed again on Sunday, with the teenager doing everything he can to keep his place. With Rice having only played 45 minutes since the World Cup, and this a fixture that Arsenal should be able to win without him, Arteta might be tempted to give him some extra rest and start him on the bench.

The Gunners travel to face Aston Villa a week later, and that is a clash that Arteta could prioritise having Rice ready and available for. Christos Tzolis appears certain to get the nod on the left wing, with Gabriel Martinelli not even making the squad against City as speculation over his future continues.

Defensive Setup

Up front, these are the types of matches that Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed the most success in last season, but Arsenal continue to look a more well-rounded side when Kai Havertz leads the line. Jurrien Timber's continued absence means Ben White will keep his place at right-back. The Gunners are concerningly short in that area of the pitch and relying heavily on White staying fit.

Cristhian Mosquera is expected to partner Gabriel in the centre of defence as Arsenal continue life without William Saliba, who faces a long spell on the sidelines due to a back issue. Piero Hincapie is pushing Riccardo Calafiori for the left-back spot, but the Italian offers far more in attack in a game Arsenal will look to dominate.