Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi make their Premier League debuts as Arsenal face Manchester United at Old Trafford. Full lineups, debutants, and tactical preview.
Arsenal Name Debutants for Sunday Clash
Arsenal fans are in for an exciting Sunday at Old Trafford as the team takes on Manchester United in a highly anticipated Premier League fixture. Manager Mikel Arteta has named Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi in the starting XI, marking their Premier League debuts for the Gunners.
The Swedish striker Gyokeres leads the attack, wearing the No. 14 shirt, while Spaniard Zubimendi strengthens the midfield alongside Declan Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard. With their inclusion, Gyokeres and Zubimendi become the 915th and 916th players to feature for Arsenal’s men’s first team, joining a proud list of club legends.
Three other new signings—Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, and Noni Madueke—are on the bench, all potentially making their first appearances if called upon.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Balanced and Attack-Minded
Mikel Arteta has set up his side in a classic formation, with David Raya guarding the goal. The back four features Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Riccardo Calafiori, offering a mix of experience and youth.
Gyokeres will spearhead the attack, flanked by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, both in blistering form in recent weeks. This attacking trio aims to trouble the United defense, led by a backline including Dalot, de Ligt, Yoro, and Shaw.
In midfield, Zubimendi, Rice, and Odegaard will look to dominate possession and control the tempo, ensuring Arsenal can build from the back and create chances for their forwards.
Arsenal Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defense: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori
- Midfield: Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard
- Attack: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres
Substitutes: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Cristhian Mosquera, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard, Noni Madueke, Havertz
Manchester United Lineup: New Signings in Focus
Manchester United also feature several new signings in their starting XI, including Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, while Benjamin Sesko is among the substitutes. Former Arsenal trainee Ayden Heaven is also on the bench, offering depth to the United squad.
United have made adjustments due to Andre Onana’s injury, with Altay Bayindir taking the starting goalkeeper role. Casemiro anchors the midfield alongside Fernandes and Dorgu, providing a mix of defensive stability and creativity.
Manchester United Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Altay Bayindir
- Defense: Dalot, de Ligt, Yoro, Shaw
- Midfield: Dorgu, Casemiro, Fernandes
- Attack: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Mount
Substitutes: Heaton, Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Mainoo, Fredricson, Ugarte, Amad, Zirkzee, Benjamin Sesko
Debutants to Watch
The focus will naturally be on Gyokeres and Zubimendi, who are eager to impress in their first Premier League starts. Gyokeres has shown clinical finishing in training and pre-season, while Zubimendi brings composure, passing range, and defensive awareness to Arsenal’s midfield.
On the bench, Kepa Arrizabalaga could feature if Arteta decides to rotate goalkeepers, while Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke offer attacking options to change the game in the second half.
For United, new signings Cunha and Mbeumo are expected to be key creative outlets, testing the Arsenal defense with pace and skill. The match will also provide an opportunity to see how recent additions adapt to Erik ten Hag’s system.
Tactical Preview: What to Expect
Arsenal are likely to dominate possession, utilizing wide players like Saka and Martinelli to stretch the United defense. With Zubimendi sitting alongside Rice and Odegaard, Arsenal can play a high-tempo passing game while maintaining defensive solidity.
Manchester United, meanwhile, may focus on quick transitions and counterattacks, leveraging the speed of Cunha and Mbeumo. Casemiro’s role will be pivotal in shielding the defense and breaking up Arsenal’s rhythm.
Set-pieces could also prove crucial, with both sides having tall players capable of heading in from corners or free-kicks.
Key Storylines
- Premier League Debuts: Gyokeres and Zubimendi aim to make an immediate impact.
- New Signings in Action: Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko could influence United’s performance.
- Tactical Battle: Arteta vs Ten Hag—possession vs counterattack strategy.
- Goalkeeper Duel: Raya vs Bayindir—key saves could decide the match.
- Historic Moments: Every debutant adds to the legacy of both clubs, creating milestones for future fans.
Fans and Atmosphere
Old Trafford is expected to be buzzing, with fans eager to see Arsenal’s new signings in action. The match has high stakes as both clubs look to consolidate positions in the Premier League table early in the season.
Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Manchester United promises a mix of excitement, tactical battles, and historic debuts. All eyes will be on Gyokeres and Zubimendi, but the contributions of seasoned stars like Rice, Odegaard, Saka, and Martinelli will also be critical.
With both teams fielding a blend of youth and experience, fans can expect a high-intensity game that could shape the Premier League standings in the weeks ahead.
Whether Arsenal’s new-look lineup can overcome Manchester United at Old Trafford remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Premier League never fails to deliver drama and unforgettable moments.