Predicted Arsenal lineup and XI vs Villarreal as Mikel Arteta makes Viktor Gyokeres full debut decision

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal take on Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday evening.

After Mikel Arteta’s team suffered defeat to Tottenham last time out in Hong Kong, the Spaniard will be keen for his side to return to winning ways and build some momentum ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners returned to London from Asia late last week, before commencing training again on Monday.

With less than two weeks to go until the Premier League season kicks off, the encounter with Villarreal should have more intensity and urgency than Arsenal’s matches on tour.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Villarreal

Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes have missed every game for Arsenal so far in pre-season, although both have resumed training and could be in contention to feature against Villarreal or Athletic Club at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard was forced off with an injury against Spurs, Riccardo Calafiori has been missing since the Newcastle game, while Kepa Arrizabalaga missed the North London Derby.

Calafiori is likely to be absent again, while Trossard’s fitness situation isn’t clear.

Aside from these absentees, Arteta should have a largely fully-fit squad to pick from heading into the clash with the La Liga side.

David Raya will retain his place in between the sticks, with Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, and Myles Lewis-Skelly likely to be the back four in front of the shot-stopper, due to injuries.

Cristhian Mosquera played just 13 minutes off the bench against Tottenham, and could be in line for another short cameo in this one.

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi should be granted his first-ever appearance at the Emirates, while Mikel Merino could do with a run-out over Declan Rice, to build up his fitness.

Up front, Viktor Gyokeres will surely be handed his full debut by Arteta, to appease the Arsenal fans and for the Swede to grow accustomed to playing with his new teammates before the season starts.

This game may come too soon for Noni Madueke, who only returned to training on Monday, likely meaning Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will retain their places out wide.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Villarreal: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Viktor Gyokeres shouldn’t play more than an hour against Villarreal

Gyokeres arrived in chaotic circumstances, flying to London for a single night, before flying straight to Singapore.

Paraded around the National Stadium in the city-state just hours after landing from a 14-hour flight, he then flew with the squad to Hong Kong, trained twice and made an appearance on the pitch.

Then returning to London, the 27-year-old would be forgiven for being somewhat jet-lagged and fatigued from the ordeal.

That said, with a couple more training sessions now under his belt, he should be ready to play some meaningful minutes for the Gunners.

However, Arsenal should be careful not to overexert him before he’s ready.

A 45-minute showing would probably be ideal, with an hour likely the upper end of what he’s capable of at the moment.

Kai Havertz is still an adequate option and should be used accordingly while Gyokeres settles.