Arsenal's predicted starting XI for the 2018-19 season

The 2018-19 season will definitely mark the beginning of an era at Arsenal as they will be commencing the competition without the fatherly figure of Arsene Wenger for the first time in 22 years.

Needless to say, Wenger was far more than just an influential manager who shaped the club's principles and philosophies, and it remains intriguing to see how The Gunners will get on following the Frenchman's departure.

Unai Emery, the erstwhile PSG manager, has taken the reins in the wake of Wenger's emotional adieu, and the incoming manager is determined to lead the club to glory.

In order to assist him in his pursuit of silverware, the Spaniard has signed the likes of Bernd Leno, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Lucas Torreira. That being said, the club has also shown the door to some household names such as Santi Cazorla, Per Mertesacker and Jack Wilshere.

With such instrumental changes, the upcoming season has become all the more enthralling for Arsenal fans, they will be anticipating a much better season this time.

On that note, let us take a look at the most likely XI the Premier League outfit will field in the 2018-19 season.

Note: The lineup will feature a 4-1-2-3 formation.

Also Read: Manchester United's predicted XI for the 2018/19 season

#1 Goalkeeper

Bernd Leno

Last season, Arsenal's defensive ineffectiveness was easily noticeable as they conceded a staggering 51 goals in the Premier League, this resulted in them missing out on the top four for the second consecutive season, and also set the worst defensive record in the club's history.

Consequently, Emery considered it essential to bolster his defensive strength before the start of the 2018-19 season, and therefore he pulled off the marquee signing of Bernd Leno for £19.3 million.

The German goalkeeper will most likely receive the green light ahead of an ageing Petr Čech and want-away David Ospina.

#2 Centre backs

Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Another new acquisition made by Unai Emery this summer, Papastathopoulos joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee for what the Gunners describe as a "long-term" deal.

The 30 year old won 43 tackles last season in Bundesliga with a success rate of 56 percent. Besides, he also made 35 interceptions, 98 clearances and eight blocks.

Calum Chambers

With the retirement of Per Mertesacker and a long-term injury to Laurent Koscielny, Calum Chambers has all the potential to move up the pecking order and procure a starting spot in the lineup ahead of Shkodran Mustafi, who might be offloaded before the transfer deadline.

The 23 year old has recently been handed a new contract, and showed his brilliance towards the end of the 2017-18 season, this could earn him a place in the starting XI. On top of that, Chambers is also in favor with Unai Emery.

#3 Full-backs

Héctor Bellerín

The arrival of Stephan Lichtsteiner has undoubtedly put Bellerin's place at Arsenal in jeopardy, but Emery is highly unlikely to bless the new signing who has already entered the twilight of his career with a starting spot ahead of the talented 23 year old.

However, if Bellerin fails to make the grade, the former Juventus veteran will be waiting in the wings to limit his opportunities.

Nacho Monreal

Nacho Monreal is one of the unsung heroes at Arsenal as much of his contributions go unacknowledged.

Despite a chaotic and unreliable rearguard, Monreal has established himself as a sturdy and versatile defender who can be slotted anywhere into the back-line and still execute his duties to perfection.

Apart from his defensive contributions, the 32 year old has also showed his mettle up front by netting some much needed goals and whipping in assists when required.

#4 Midfielders

Lucas Torreira, Mesut Özil and Aaron Ramsey

The kernel of Arsenal's squad

The partnership of Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil in the middle will be a decisive factor in Arsenal's success next season, as they are the two most experienced players who can dictate play with consummate ease.

With such huge responsibilities on their shoulders, both players will have to bring their A-game and step up to the plate next season.

Lucas Torreira

Another player consequential to Arsenal's performances will be Lucas Torreira, who was prized away from Sampdoria for £26m.

A diligent and hard-working footballer, the Uruguayan will ply his trade as a central defensive midfielder who can add steel to Arsenal's defence and anchor the midfield effortlessly.

#5 Wingers

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

It would be safe to say that Henrikh Mkhitaryan has hit the ground running since he stepped onto the storied Emirates stadium after exiting Old Trafford.

The Armenian international has even arguably outperformed Alexis Sanchez who switched in the opposite direction.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Having joined Arsenal for £56m early this year, Aubameyang has registered 10 goals and 4 assists in the 14 outings he has made for the English outfit. The reason he might be moved on to the left wing is that Emery will be compelled to include Lacazette as well in the starting lineup.

Nevertheless, he would be awarded the freedom to move up front and notch up goals whenever he pleases.

All stats via transfermarkt

#6 Centre forward

Alexandre Lacazette

As mentioned previously, Aubameyang might be pushed out wide in order to allow Alexandre Lacazette play as a lone striker and lead the line for the star studded squad.

All the same, he will have to play in tandem with the Gabonese international, and might even lose his starting berth to him on other occasions.

Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.