Team News: Welbeck in competition to start for Arsenal vs Manchester City… in defence

New Arsenal manager Unai Emery has hinted that Danny Welbeck is in competition to start at left-back for the Gunners season opener with champions Manchester City.

The Spaniard has problems at the back, with captain Laurent Koscielny a long-term absentee, joined on the sidelines by Sead Kolasinac, while Nacho Monreal is a big doubt due to a knee problem.

Should the latter miss out, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is in line to start on the left of the defence, though Emery confirmed that Welbeck has trained well in that position with this match in mind.

"Danny Welbeck is one of the players who has a multi-position possibility," Emery said.
"Right winger, left winger, striker, and also yesterday he worked with us at left-back - his performance was good.”

Aaron Ramsey is expected to be fit having returned to training following a calf problem, and may partner up with new signing Lucas Torreira in midfield. Elsewhere Bernd Leno and Sokratis are also in line to make their debuts.

Projected line-ups and prediction in our full match preview

Pep Guardiola has fewer injury concerns, with Danilo and Eliaquim Mangala the only confirmed absentees, though neither would have started this game regardless.

Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and David Silva should all be in the squad having returned to training late from their World Cup exploits and missed the Community Shield victory last weekend, while Riyad Mahrez is expected to make his league bow following a club record move from Leicester.