In order to give some players a chance to shine, football.london has put together their ideal XI for Arsenal’s preseason match against Barcelona.
In Los Angeles, Arsenal plays in their final match of their US tour. The opponents are Barcelona, and the location is Stan Kroenke’s LA Rams’ SoFi Stadium, which is arguably the most spectacular stadium the Gunners have ever played in from a technical and modern architectural standpoint.
Therefore, it makes sense for the two sides to play this game. The last time Arsenal and Barcelona squared off in a preseason friendly, the Gunners traveled to Camp Nou in 2019 under Unai Emery and fell to the Blaugrana 2-1 on the strength of a late Luis Suarez goal.
This time, the two sides are essentially sleeping giants alongside one another. Even though Barca won the La Liga, their days of dominating Europe are long gone, while the Gunners have returned to competing in both the Champions League and the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta said he would like to give some other players minutes that they weren’t necessarily given against Manchester United because his team has a lot of possibilities. However, as the start of the new season approaches, Arteta would do well to keep in mind the consistency of some of the players being deployed.
As a result, the defense is mostly unaltered from that of United, with Jurrien Timber once more starting at right back while adjusting to his new position. Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba are paired together, with the Pole getting the chance to play in what most people thought was his finest position before he arrived from Spezia in January.
At left back is Kieran Tierney, who many have speculated might revert to playing a more traditional role as a result of the inverted presence of the Dutchman after Timber’s assimilation.
The midfield duo that most people want to see is made up of Thomas Partey and Declan Rice, who resemble a double pivot. Kai Havertz then plays in the attacking midfield position.
The German international has had a challenging start to the season playing in an offensive midfield two. I’d want to see him given the Rice and Partey foundation so he can play a more natural number 10 role and directly assist the attack.
The aforementioned attack features the reliable Bukayo Saka, followed by a few modifications. Folarin Balogun, who has a point to prove because his future is still up in the air, and Emile Smith Rowe return to the team at left wing for some much-needed minutes.
Expected Arsenal XI vs Barcelona: Ramsdale, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Tierney, Partey, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Balogun, Smith Rowe