Arsenal take on Monaco at the Emirates Stadium this evening in a pre-season friendly.
Arsenal face Monaco today in the club’s final pre-season friendly before the Community Shield clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
The Emirates Cup fixture against the French outfit will be attended by Arsene Wenger, who has been invited as a guest of honour. The iconic manager took charge of both Arsenal and Monaco in his career, winning league titles with both clubs. Arsenal unveiled a statue of Wenger outside the Emirates Stadium last week.
As well as being a celebration of Wenger’s time and legacy in north London, Mikel Arteta will also see this match as a serious opportunity to observe his team’s progress. He will demand a strong, committed performance from his squad.
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Here are three things to look out for when the Gunners face Monaco later.
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The left-back battle
With Oleksandr Zinchenko unavailable, it will be fascinating to see who Arteta starts with at left-back. Kieran Tierney is the obvious choice, and picking him would be a show of faith in the Scot, with his future at the club still uncertain. However, Jurrien Timber was given the nod at left-back against Barcelona last time out. Whether that was a case of just wanting to give him game time, or whether he is a serious candidate to make the position his own, remans to be seen.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has also been used by Arteta in that role, and it could be the Japan international’s best bet for game time this season. Arsenal paid £16 million for Tomiyasu, and he’s yet to nail down a position of his own.
Who Arteta selects there against Monaco could give an insight into his long-term plan for the position.
All eyes on Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale’s security in the Arsenal pecking order has been cast into uncertainty by the recent transfer links with David Raya. Despite the Gunners having not yet signed the Spaniard, Ramsdale will already be feeling the pressure on his No. 1 spot.
The England shot-stopper didn’t cover himself in glory in the recent clash with Manchester United. Arteta will want to see a positive, confident response from the 25-year-old with the football world all debating his future.
Emile Smith Rowe back with a bang
After a very frustrating campaign last time out, when injuries and the form of his teammates restricted him to just 12 Premier League appearances, Smith Rowe has look resurgent this summer. The 23-year-old played a key role in England’s triumph at the under-21 European Championship. He has since discussed wanting to fight for his place at Arsenal.
To get Smith Rowe back to his best would be a huge boost for the Gunners. His level of involvement against Monaco could be telling in terms of where he stands in Arteta’s plans.