Predicted formation
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Last season
It's fair to say that an eighth place finish in the Premier League far from good enough for a team like Arsenal.
However, this does not tell the whole story. After an appalling first half of the season, the team bounced back and we were the second best team in the league in the second half of the season (The Sun).
We are now in a new season and we will all be hoping that the form at the end of last season is carried on. This will be dependent on a lot of different factors, not least being the effect that the crowds returning to the stadiums will have. Also, most teams have bought and sold and we will have to see which transfers work out well and which don't.
A new beginning
We have a relatively easy start against newly promoted Brentford, but the team can't take this lightly as there are no easy matches in the Premier League and, as a new team in the division, Brentford will have a point to prove. They have some good players and Arsenal need to come out of the blocks quickly and not show any ring-rustiness. Preseason performances have not been good, so they will need to up their game.
It's important for the team to get off to a good start because the next two matches are at home to Chelsea and away to Man City.
Predicted line-up
With no new keeper signed, Leno will keep his position in goal.
With Gabriel and Holding currently out injured, Mari and White will start at centre back. Tierney will start at left back and the right back will be between Chambers and Bellerin, with Chambers likely to get the nod.
Partey is out injured for around four weeks, so new signing Lokongo will probably play in the midfield alongside Xhaka, although Elneny will also be in contention.
Saka and Martinelli haven't been back in training long, so Aubameyang will probably play on the left, with Lacazette up front. On the other hand, Arteta may decide to play Saka, in which case Auba will probably play up front. Pepe will most likely play on the right.
That just leaves the attacking midfield position, and with Odergaard returning to Real Madrid after his loan ended and no new signings (yet) in this positions, Smith Rowe will probably get the nod.
Fingers crossed for a positive start. COYG.
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