Arsenal Predicted XI vs Coventry: Guimaraes Set to Miss Out?

The Gunners kick off their Premier League title defence on Friday night against Coventry City, and while Mikel Arteta has several important names back in the Arsenal squad, he still has a few decisions to make when it comes to his starting line-up.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are both available after late returns from World Cup duty, offering Arteta a timely boost. Bruno Guimaraes, however, remains a doubt as he continues to be monitored following his early withdrawal during the Community Shield win over Manchester City.

Arteta has suggested Guimaraes is making good progress, though he would not reveal whether the midfielder will feature against Coventry. Cameras later caught the Brazilian on the Wembley bench, ice strapped to his thigh.

With Guimaraes still a doubt, Rice could be in line for his first start of the campaign. Saka, too, may slot straight back into the side, especially after Noni Madueke was given the nod on the right wing against City.

Rice got 45 minutes under his belt at Wembley, having only just returned to full training. He’s still working his way back to full match sharpness.

Even so, with Arteta confirming he’s available and Guimaraes still nursing a knock, Rice is in a strong position to start on Friday night.

The England midfielder would slot into a midfield three with Martin Odegaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has done enough in pre-season to keep his spot amongst a number of midfielders returning to full fitness.

Lewis-Skelly started against City and has continued to impress, with the competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield only increasing this summer.

Rice might not be ready to go the distance just yet, but starting him gives Arteta more options in how he manages the game. Guimaraes could be left out altogether if Arsenal want to play it safe, or perhaps used from the bench depending on how he comes through the final preparations.

Saka has only recently returned to full training following his World Cup involvement, but Arteta’s confirmation that he is fit and available leaves open the possibility of an immediate return.

Madueke started on the right against Manchester City and performed well, but Saka remains Arsenal’s first-choice option when available.

The question is how much Arteta is willing to ask of him this early.

Given the importance of starting the title defence well, there is a strong case for Saka to start and have his minutes managed later, rather than being held back from the outset.

Tzolis should continue from the left, with Havertz leading the line.

That would leave Gyokeres and Madueke as some of Arsenal’s strongest attacking options from the bench.

With several injury problems amongst the back line, Arsenal's defensive picture is a lot simpler

William Saliba remains unavailable because of the back injury aggravated during the World Cup, while Jurrien Timber is also still working his way back from a groin problem.

That means Cristhian Mosquera will continue alongside Gabriel Magalhaes after catching the eye against City.

The Spaniard helped Arsenal keep a clean sheet at Wembley and now has another chance to showcase his ability in Saliba's absence.

Ben White will be at right-back with Timber still out, with Riccardo Calafiori set to keep his spot on the left.

There’s little reason for Arteta to tinker with a back four that did the job against one of Arsenal’s main rivals just five days ago.

Coventry will pose a different kind of test, but sticking with the same defensive unit gives Arsenal some much-needed continuity with two key players still missing.

Rice and Saka are the two changes that the Gunners are likely to make from the side that started the Community Shield.

Rice looks the most likely replacement for Guimaraes if Arsenal decide not to risk the Brazilian, while Saka’s availability gives Arteta the option of restoring his first-choice right winger immediately.

Madueke has done enough to stay in the conversation, but if Saka is fit to start, it is difficult to look beyond him. Arsenal can always manage his minutes later in the game if needed.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Tzolis.