Singapore’s National Stadium is the setting for Arsenal’s first pre-season tour fixture, as the Gunners clash with AC Milan in Wednesday’s blockbuster friendly.
Mikel Arteta summoned 30 players for the jaunt to Asia, but new signing Noni Madueke is not among them, as the ex-Chelsea man is still recovering from his Club World Cup exploits.
As Viktor Gyokeres was also not signed in time for the tour, and Gabriel Jesus remains out of contention with his ACL injury, Arteta should turn to a fit-again Kai Havertz to lead the line in Kallang.
The Germany international is now fully recovered from a hamstring complaint and was on target in a 2-0 behind-closed-doors win over Watford at the weekend, so 45 minutes on Wednesday can be anticipated.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli ought to flank Havertz as Arsenal’s first-choice front three – at least for now – while Martin Odegaard should keep teenage duo Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri at bay.
New arrival Martin Zubimendi can expect to make his full unofficial debut at the base of the midfield, most likely with Declan Rice quintessentially bombing forward from the left eight role.
Gabriel Magalhaes has landed in Singapore following his hamstring injury, but it would not be a surprise to see Riccardo Calafiori pair up with William Saliba for the time being.
Ben White also struck against Watford and may have played his way into a start alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly, while David Raya should start in goal, perhaps before a second-half run-out for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
