After five official friendlies for the first team pre-season is over. Attention turns to the Premier League opening and a trip to Old Trafford.
Yesterday saw for the first time an XI that may actually start the season, although a couple of places seemingly up for grabs. It has been a common theme in Arteta's reign that left back and left wing positions are rotated far more than any other, and it was no surprise that Martinelli and Calafiori were replaced at half time with Madueke coming on and Timber switched to left back. There was even time for a 3rd left back in Lewis Skelly, as he replaced Timber just after the hour.
It was a good run out for Gyokeres, but with a short pre-season it remains to be seen if Arteta deems him ready for a PL start. Zubimendi has had a little more game time, and he was a stand-out yesterday (albeit against a side he is used to playing) so should start at OT.
There are fitness concerns over Timber and Gabriel, who have had injury delayed starts to the summer. Both got an hours football yesterday, so hopefully with another 7 days they will be fully ready next week.
We expect to see Raya, Saliba, Rice, Odegaard and Saka all start.
Despite Uniteds woes last season, an opening game at Old Trafford will be a big test. There could be the added element of the man we passed up on being in the United squad, as Sesko has now signed for them. There will a lot of comparisons between Sesko and Gyokeres, hopefully our man can come out on top. Given his lack of pre-season, Sesko may have to make do with a bench spot. Likely to start are Cunha and Mbeumo in a new look attack. They haven't made additions elsewhere, so the likes of Onana, Shaw, Yoro, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Diallo, Maguire and club captain Bruno Fernandes are all in contention.
Pre-season - Done.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
Fully fit squad going into the season. Some lack match fitness but good position to be in. Multiple options everywhere
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
Yesterday was by far our best pre season game. Not a real suprise as it was the first time we played likely our starting first 11.
Zubimendi looking outstanding (again). Brilliant player.
At the moment a fit Calafiori starting for me ahead of MLS. Victor G. was more involved as we tried our luck not only from the wings this time. Saka was outstanding, Martinelli improved.
Hope we can maintain this improvement into our first game at Old Trafford. Difficult game as usual. Dont know what I can expect from United.
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
That performance has reassured me about the season. If Liverpool get Isak thats an unbelievable attack they have but you can only play 11 players.
Zubimendi is hopefully the difference for us, he has everything. We have so many options all around the pitch now - i dont think we will but if we get Eze for the left that will be the cherry on the cake
posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago
Calafiori is first choice LB for me as well however with his fitness issues Skelly will get loads of games.
Defense of Timber - Saliba - Gab - Calafiori just looks like an absolute unit to me.
People forget that Calafiori is very good going forward as well. Shame we didnt get to see him more in the CB position last season as well