Guimaraes to make first Arsenal Champions League start as Arteta makes two changes vs Napoli
Arsenal face Napoli in their Champions League opener on September 9, 2026, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Bruno Guimaraes is set for his first UCL start for the Gunners, with Piero Hincapie coming in at left-back.
- Competition: Champions League, matchday one
- Kick-off time: 20:00 UK time / 21:00 local time
- Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
- Arsenal form: Three Premier League wins and FA Community Shield winners this season
- Key selection: Bruno Guimaraes starts in midfield; Piero Hincapie replaces Riccardo Calafiori at left-back
- Arsenal aim: To add three points in their continental opener after strong domestic start
Confirmed line-ups
Arsenal (predicted 4-2-3-1)
Starting XI: David Raya; Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie; Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Christos Tzolis; Kai Havertz
Substitutes: Not specified in source
Selection notes
Jurrien Timber remains injured, so Ben White continues at right-back. Piero Hincapie is expected to replace Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, despite Calafiori having played every game this season. In midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly is likely to make way for Bruno Guimaraes, who joined from Newcastle United for £75 million. Kai Havertz is preferred to Viktor Gyokeres up front.
What was said
Hincapie and Guimaraes start UCL opener: Predicted Arsenal XI vs Napoli
The headline from the source article directly indicates that both Hincapie and Guimaraes are expected to start, confirming the key team news for this match.
Injury and availability
Jurrien Timber is injured and unavailable. No other injury concerns were mentioned in the source.
Why Arteta has opted for Guimaraes and Hincapie
The inclusion of Bruno Guimaraes adds physicality and aerial prowess to the midfield, which Arteta believes is necessary against a quality Napoli side. His £75 million price tag shows the club's investment, and this first Champions League start suggests he is trusted for the big occasion.
At left-back, Piero Hincapie coming in for Riccardo Calafiori is a significant call. Calafiori has featured in every game so far, but Hincapie's introduction may be about match fitness or tactical matchup against Napoli's wingers.
Up front, Kai Havertz keeps his place ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, rewarded for his solid Premier League form. This indicates Arteta values continuity and form over rotation.
Talking points
- Is dropping Riccardo Calafiori for Hincapie in a Champions League opener too risky when Calafiori has played every match?
- Does starting Guimaraes over Lewis-Skelly signal a shift to a more physical midfield for European nights?
- Kai Havertz vs Viktor Gyokeres: Who is the better long-term No. 9 for Arsenal's Champions League ambitions?
- Will the absence of Jurrien Timber force Arteta to adjust his tactical setup against Napoli's attacking threats?
What happens next
Arsenal will face Napoli in the Champions League on September 9, 2026, at 20:00 UK time. A positive result would extend their momentum from three league wins and the Community Shield.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bruno Guimaraes starting for Arsenal vs Napoli?
Yes, Bruno Guimaraes is expected to start in midfield, making his first Champions League start for Arsenal.
Who is replacing Riccardo Calafiori at left-back for Arsenal?
Piero Hincapie is expected to replace Riccardo Calafiori in the starting eleven.
What time does Arsenal vs Napoli kick off?
The match kicks off at 20:00 UK time (21:00 local time) on September 9, 2026, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
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