Gyokeres debut, two new partnerships unleashed - Mikel Arteta's strongest Arsenal XI vs Man Utd

All eyes will be on Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon when Arsenal start their 2025/26 Premier League campaign against Manchester United. It just was not to be for the Gunners in the title race last term and the club have duly strengthened Mikel Arteta's squad as a result.

Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres are the club's standout signings, with Noni Madueke someone who could prove to be a smart acquisition in the final third due to what he can offer from out wide. Kepa Arrizabalaga will challenge David Raya for his spot in goal, Cristhian Mosquera adds even more competition in defence and Christian Norgaard's leadership may be vital as Arsenal push for major honours.

Arsenal do have an extremely tough start to the season and it is vital that they collect all three points at the Theatre of Dreams. Following their game against Manchester United, Arsenal have Leeds United, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle United.

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Given their lofty ambitions, Arsenal could potentially be in a position where they are playing catch-up very early on if their start to the season does not go as planned. However, Arteta and his squad will be seeing it as a real opportunity to lay down a marker and send a huge message to their rivals.

There is a very good chance that Arteta will hand out a couple of debuts on the opening weekend of the season, with Zubimendi and Gyokeres likely starters. In goal, Raya will start as ever and then William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will resume their excellent partnership at centre-back.

In terms of the full-backs, Arteta has a huge call to make as he has excellent options on either flank. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori both enjoyed strong pre-seasons, meaning the pair could be given the nod over Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Arsenal fans got their first glimpse of their new midfield triumvirate last weekend as Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice all started together. Arteta was impressed by what he witnessed and the trio will very probably be unleashed together in the Premier League for the very first time.

Another new trio could be given the green light in attack as the head coach looks to see his team hit a new level altogether in such a key area of the pitch. Gyokeres will be the favourite to lead the line and he may have Bukayo Saka to his right and Madueke to his left in a fearsome front three.

Here is Arteta's strongest Arsenal XI to take on Manchester United:

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke.