[THREAD]: A preview of Arsenal's 2020/2021 season. (PART 1)

Here I take a look at how Arsenal can make the most out of this season and our potential returns.

- Squad shape
- Player Analysis
- Fixture breakdown (league)
- Cup competitions
- Overall summary

Victory through harmony. Last season was far from that. Between have 3 managers, the team racked up many injuries coupled with a lot of drama between the fans and the players. It's safe to say that Arteta did a fantastic job rallying the troops late last season to win the FA Cup.

With that said, we can't afford a repeat of last season if we are to achieve our targets for the 2020/2021 season. All hands have to be on deck and Arteta needs the full backing of the board, staff, players and most especially the fans. He is the Artist of the masterpiece to come

- Squad Shape
As the transfer window continues, we may see changes to the squad in the form of additions and exits. Willian is the only confirmed addition to the club bar returning loans. Gabriel is expected to join and talks with Partey continue. Aouar is also on the radar

I expect the Gabriel deal to be finalized and hopefully the Partey deal. While I can't say much about the Aouar links, it is safe to say we me have more than 2 more additions after Willian. As for exits, Sokratis, Guendouzi and Lacazette seem to be the names circulating

I'll leave transfer talks for ni so I'll just focus on our potential shape for the new season considering the current squad rn and a second line up with potential deals. I think Arteta is going to opt for a 4-3-3 next season. The first pic with our confirmed players.

The second option seems best suited to achieve our goals. I'll really love to see Luiz play as our DM like Marquinhos plays for PSG. Luiz at DM will allow us to have better defensive prowess in the midfield and facilitate a smooth transition into a 3-4-3 in attack.

preseason (if there's any) is going to be short. This will be the first hurdle Arsenal are going to have to get past. Preseason facilitates player induction into new tactics as well as a good welcoming period for new signings. Also fitness levels are conditioned then.

- Player Analysis
Key players:
- Aubameyang
- Pepe
- Luiz
Ones to watch:
- Martinelli
- Maitland-Niles
- Nelson
New signings:
- Willian

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Our captain, our no. 14. I think we can all agree that Aubameyang is our best player. His consistency and ability is truly world class. We are all still waiting for him to sign that thing but hopefully it'll be done soon. Let's take a look at his profile

Auba has been deployed mostly on the left of the front 3, but with Lacazette likely to leave, it is most likely Auba will be played as the central striker next season. Auba will be expected to not just lead the line in attack, but the the team as a whole as the captain.

Auba's top traits are his pace and finishing. Over the years he has made a name out of beating the defensive line with speed, slotting the ball past keepers with ease "Henry-esque". An underrated trait of his is his work rate off the ball and it'll be needed in Arteta's system

Nicolas Pepe
Pepe came to Arsenal with a lot of expectations due to his stellar season in 18/19 and his price tag. He registered 18 g/a last season and with the problems in the club at the time, that was a decent return. Now the club will need him more than ever to be at his best

While Pepe can be hard to catch in a race, there is no doubt his dribbling ability is what sets him apart from many attackers in the league. What I'll love to see from him beyond his g/a will be more take-ons to open up space for runners. His delivery from wide areas is also good

David Luiz
His inclusion may raise a few eye brows but regardless of who we sign at CB, I still expect him to start. He is the most experienced player we have and the most decorated. His leadership is unquestionable, and while he is prone to error his heart is in the right place.

His start to his Arsenal career was full of turmoil. He made errors that were costly and at times shocking but everyone will be hoping he can build on his great end to his first season and carry on from there. His Aerial prowess and Long passing will be a key feature next season

Gabriel Martinelli
Gabi had an electric start to is Arsenal career but injuries prevented him from building on it after the restart. The Brazilian will have to rediscover the form that led to many plaudits as he seeks to reestablish himself in the first team

He is full of energy and passion and he isn't lacking in technical department. Gabi has all the necessary ingredients to sit at the top and his mentality is very good. Gabi is very clinical with his feet and head, he is a natural goal scorer no doubt. He also has very good pace

Ainsley Maitland-Niles
I firmly believe 2020/2021 will be AMN's season, I really do. I've said it a couple of times that AMN is truly gifted especially in the physical department and his versatility is a testament. To that. He sees his future in midfield but many see him as a RB

If he is to have a future at Arsenal in midfield (probably as a Mezzala) he is going to have to work on His awareness and positioning. While he possess high stamina and work rate, his focus can be a bit off. Operating in midfield will be a test of his mental attributes.

Reiss Nelson
If any Arsenal youngster needs to step up next season, it'll be Nelson. While he will most likely start from the bench, I do believe he has the ability to force his way into the starting 11. Nelson has loads of potential and with the right attitude he will get there.

So what are the things he needs to work on? For starters his decision making in the final third needs to improve. Also, I do feel he may need to bulk up a bit but that's secondary. Most importantly he needs to regain his confidence if he is to reach the top.

Willian
Willian is a gunner. Never thought I'll say it. That being said what can we expect from him? In attack he will most likely create space and aim to assist via crosses and through balls. Output wise, I think 15 g/a all comp ain't bad. Off the ball he will work really hard

Fixture breakdown (league)
Our league campaign begins at Craven Cottage. I'll really love for us to roll it back to 18/19 for a strong start to the season. Before all that though, we face Liverpool in the FA community shield. This will be the first indicator to how ready we are

Many have called October a tricky month for the gunners but I think we have trickier months (not just fixture wise). I'll quickly highlight them.

- November
- December
- February

(To be continued in later thread)

(PART 2)
November
November looks relatively easy as we have only 3 fixtures
Villa (H)
Leeds (A)
Wolves (H)

Depending on our form I expect between 6-9 points this month. The real issue comes with fitness, this is the month where the injuries usually start for Arsenal

December
With the injuries coming late November, we usually move into December with a thinner squad and a lot of fixtures. This is where the season always seem to start to head south. We have the following matches in December
Spurs (A)
Burnley (H)
SOU (H)
EVE (H)
CHE (H)
BHA (A)

Apart from having 2 opposition from the top 6, we have 2 of our boogie teams of late (Southampton and Brighton) along with Everton and Burnley to add to the congestion. It won't be easy and history as shown we drop points in this month and rack up more injuries

February
After surviving the onslaught of Dec and regrouping in Jan, February is usually where all hope dies for Arsenal. With European football entering the knockout stages, the fixtures again start coming in fast. UCL days we bow out around this time and our title hopes die

In seasons where we were already out of the title race in December, February is where we drop crucial points in the race for top 4. It is important the club avoids all these traps that usually await in these months to avoid these scenarios from playing out.

In conclusion I think if we avoid injuries to key players and the highlighted players stay in form, we should be fine. My predictions for this season are:

- Ideal Season: 4th place and a cup win (Europa League preferably)
- Predicted Finish: 5th place and Europa league win

COYG