Arsenal are set to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, with it still unclear what lineup Mikel Arteta will pick for the curtain raiser.
Arsenal have had a mixed set of pre-season results, having lost to Manchester United in New York and drawn to Monaco at the Emirates Stadium.
The now deep squad depth means that there has been plenty of rotation throughout the friendlies, but Arteta should pick his strongest side to face the treble-winners, and this will include a major change from the Monaco draw.
Takehiro Tomiyasu started at right-back against Monaco, but he should now drop out of the starting XI with Ben White coming back in. White was the first-choice pick ahead of Tomiyasu last season, moving out wide having previously played at centre-back, and kept his place having delivered consistently strong performances.
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White’s brilliance in the back four is often overlooked, with William Saliba often taking most of the plaudits, but White is arguably one of the most crucial players in the side.
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Although Tomiyasu is a very good squad option, White’s ability on the ball separates him from the Japan international, and despite the arrival of Jurrien Timber, White should keep his place going forward.
White ranks in the top 3% of European fullbacks for progressive passes, and it is this ability which makes him a crucial link between Aaron Ramsdale in goal, and Bukayo Saka on the right, with Ramsdale often picking out White as a passing target.
The defender was described as “underrated” by Michael Owen last season, and he has arguably more than justified his £50m signing fee from Brighton.
The England international is strong defensively whilst also providing a high technical level on the ball, and he will be important to the side both on and off the ball as they come up against a dangerous City side.