Mikel Arteta's squad returns to action this weekend, opening an anticipated campaign against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
The Gunners are set for a big season as they look to compete yet again in all competitions and build on their strong performances from last year.
This article will take a look at what to expect from the red side of North London this Saturday, how they have fared previously against their opposition and how the game can set the team up for the upcoming season.
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Similar Approach to last season
At the start of last season, Arteta's side seemed to transform from the expansive attacking team of 2022/23 with a focus on a more pragmatic approach.
During the opening few months, Arsenal struggled for goals with Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah in poor form and Gabriel Jesus suffering from persistent injuries.
Eventually, the team found their rhythm in front of goal whilst continuing their defensive excellence, with Declan Rice played further up the pitch, Jorginho in the side and Havertz moving up top.
Defence
With less transfer activity this summer, we could see the Gunners continue where they left off at the end of last season with Havertz a physical presence up top and dropping into the middle.
It's unclear to see if Riccardo Calafiori is ready to start at left-back meaning Zinchenko is likely to start in an inverted role with Ben White overlapping on the right.
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard will return to the Emirates this weekend and is set to be a vital component of Arteta's team yet again this season.
The Norwegian maestro has scored four goals against Wolves in the past two seasons - scoring in both fixtures last season and a brace at Molineux in November 2022.
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Declan Rice's position
A question that is yet to be answered about this Arteta side is the role that record signing Declan Rice will play for the team.
The England midfielder has featured at the base of defensive midfield for Arteta as expected but the Spanish coach has often at times pushed his star man up the field as a left-sided central midfielder.
Coming into this weekend's game, fans are likely to see Thomas Parteyor Jorginho in the defensive midfield position and Rice covering ground and attacking the box from a more advanced area on the pitch.
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Will Calafiori feature
Arsenal have had a slow transfer window thus far with defender Riccardo Calafiori being the biggest signing.
The Italian international is likely to be deployed at left-back for the Gunners, with his centre-back-like qualities suiting the hybrid role played by Jakub Kiwior towards the end of last season.
However, Calafiori seems unlikely to start Saturday's game with Zinchenko playing most of the minutes in his position during pre-season, and Arsenal likely to be dominant on the ball at home.
It is likely that the Italian fullback will come on as a substitute later on in the game, perhaps to shore up the defence to secure a tight lead or gain some Premier League minutes.
Jurrien Timber is also a potential fullback option but will most likely start on the bench due to a recent injury concern.
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Arteta's record against Wolves
Arteta's record against Wolves is a positive one with six wins in his last six outings against the Midlands side.
Arsenal have lost to Wolves twice during his tenure with a 2-1 loss at home in the Premier League in July 2020 during lockdown which remains Wolves' only win away to Arsenal in the competition.
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Arsenal on the opening day
The Gunners are set for their 121st opening game of the season this Saturday with a record of 56 wins, 23 draws and 41 losses.
In each of their last two seasons, Arsenal have won their first fixture with victories over Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest but have not won three openers in a row since 2007-2010.
The last time Arsenal drew their first Premier League game came in the form of a 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland 12 years ago, with their last loss coming against Brentford away in 2021.
One of the most iconic Gunners displays as the season started was a 6-1 victory at Goodison Park in 2009 against Arteta's team at the time Everton - however the boss didn't feature in the game.
