Confirmed Arsenal XI vs Rangers as Nuno Tavares makes debut and Balogun starts upfront
Balogun #Balogun
Nuno Tavares has been handed his debut for Arsenal in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Rangers.
The Portuguese left back was signed from Benfica as back up for Kieran Tierney this summer.
Tavares wasn’t able to play against Hibernian earlier in the week because the paperwork wasn’t completed in time for him to be involved.
Arthur Okonkwo continues in goal after playing the first half of the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat at Easter Road, while Cedric Soares starts in defence alongside Rob Holding and Pablo Mari.
Mohamed Elneny partners Thomas Partey in central midfield, with Nicolas Pepe, Emile Smith Rowe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang supporting Folarin Balogun in attack.
There is a return for Joe Willock who is on the bench following a minor groin injury, with the likes of Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Eddie Nketiah set to get opportunities to impress in the second half.
Arsenal XI vs Rangers: Okonkwo; Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tavares; Elneny, Partey, Pepe, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang; Balogun.
Subs: Hein, Chambers, Bellerin, Tierney, Kolasinac, Maitland-Niles, Willock, Nelson, Willian, Nketiah, Lacazette.