Many Gunners fans are eager to see the Raheem Sterling Arsenal debut, after the English winger signed on loan from London rivals Chelsea on Transfer Deadline Day.
Having let the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson go in the summer window just passed, Mikel Arteta's side saw the signing of Sterling as a market opportunity to boost their attacking ranks, with reports that they paid no loan fee and are only paying £100,000 of his wages per week.
This could prove to be a shrewd piece of business come the end of the season, as Sterling could be the difference between Arsenal finishing as runners-up to Manchester City for the third season in a row in the Premier League and finally lifting the title again for the first time since the famous Invincibles did so at the end of the 2003/04 campaign.
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How did Sterling end up at Arsenal?
Sterling quickly fell out of favour under new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who publicly stated that he was not part of his plans this season. Representatives of the 29-year-old released a statement just an hour before the Blues' 2-0 opening weekend defeat against Man City at Stamford Bridge, asking for “clarity” over his role at the club.
It was later made clear that Sterling did not fit into Maresca's plans, and subsequently he was allowed to move on. However, no substantial bids came in for him until the last day of the transfer window for Premier League clubs, as Arsenal made their move and eventually got their man.
Where will Sterling play on his Arsenal debut?
Sterling could make his debut in one of the biggest games in Arsenal's season, away at Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby on Sunday. He has been chiefly utilised on either wing throughout his career, but with Bukayo Saka key for the Gunners on the right and both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli fighting for a starting spot on the left, Sterling may have to be used from the bench.
However, Arsenal have a few first-team players unavailable for the match, such as the suspended Declan Rice and potentially captain Martin Odegaard, who hobbled off during Norway's last UEFA Nations League game with an ankle injury. Thus, with some rejigging of the team, Sterling could be in line for a start in one of the forward positions.
What number will Sterling wear for Arsenal?
Sterling will wear the number 30 shirt for the Gunners, having previously worn the numbers 31, 7 and 17 at Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea respectively. The number 10 shirt was free after Smith Rowe left Arsenal to join Fulham this summer, and perhaps it is a number that Sterling could take should he make his move to the Emirates Stadium a permanent one come the end of the season.
Will Sterling win on his debut?
Beating Spurs away from home will be tough for Arsenal, especially with the number of key players that could be missing from their starting line-up. However, they have won their previous two away North London derbies, and are currently favourites with selected bookmakers to record another memorable victory.
Arsenal to win and Raheem Sterling to score anytime is currently at 17/4 odds with selected bookmakers.
