2015-16 Premier League Season Preview: Arsenal

Welcome to theScore's 2015-16 preview of Arsenal. Transfer dealings, lineup projections, and everything else you need to know about the club's upcoming campaign.

Arsenal

Team Page - Roster - Schedule

Summers without a major offensive signing haven't historically inspired the enthusiasm and confidence currently hovering around the latest edition of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal squad.

The Arsenal outfit gearing up for the new season exudes the air of a finished product capable of dethroning Chelsea for the league title. Arsenal can take advantage of its players' familiarity with each other following a summer that's seen various changes among the league's other contenders. Alexis Sanchez entering his second season should strike fear into opponents, while Mesut Ozil's third season could finally silence his doubters.

Whether the team can stay healthy or not is an obstacle that's haunted the Gunners in the past. While they can only hope the years of bad luck are behind them, a wealth of talent should help offset most injuries.

2014-15 Season

Trophies Won: Community Shield, FA Cup

Expectations were high in the summer of 2014. Sanchez arrived on the heels of an FA Cup trophy that snapped Arsenal's unsightly trophy drought, and all seemed well at the Emirates.

The Chilean's injection of class and ferocious style appeared to be the missing ingredient required to close the gap on the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.

Dreams of hoisting the title, however, quickly faded. November was a month to forget when Arsenal ended the month with its lowest point total in over 32 years. The tide was slow to turn, as Arsenal toiled behind Southampton and Liverpool in the standings until the inclusion of Francis Coquelin unexpectedly coincided with a dominant run to end the season.

Three months without a loss inspired hopeful - yet unrealistic - talks of a title run, but ultimately led to a third-place finish and renewed belief in Wenger's men.

Key Arrivals

• Petr Cech (from Chelsea)

Contentment is a welcome change from the usual uproar over a lack of activity on the transfer market, and the silent confidence among the team's notoriously vocal fan base after completing just one signing speaks volumes of their assurance in manager Wenger.

Petr Cech could be the signing of the summer if his return to form equals his title-winning performances with Chelsea. His inclusion in goal might not be the only upgrade, considering Wenger's reputation for completing deals as the transfer window begins its descent.

Key Departures

• Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray, £1.8m)
• Wojciech Szczesny (Roma, loan)
• Abou Diaby (released)
• Carl Jenkinson (West Ham, loan)
• Yaya Sanogo (Ajax, loan)

Another summer without a major departure appears to be on the verge of completion. Lukas Podolski's and Wojciech Szczesny's contributions at Arsenal fizzled out in the months and years before joining different teams.

Projected Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Petr Cech; Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Hector Bellerin; Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey; Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott; Olivier Giroud

The biggest question heading into the season revolves around the striker position. It's no secret that Theo Walcott prefers to lead the team up front, but the presence of Olivier Giroud and, to a lesser extent, Danny Welbeck presents a dilemma for Wenger.

Elsewhere, the squad is stacked with elite talent. The only problem is finding sufficient playing time - a problem few teams around the world face.

A healthy Arsenal team is a force to be reckoned with thanks to the Gunners' ability to complement one another on the pitch with world-class passing and knack for demoralizing teams with irretrievable possession.

Player To Watch: Theo Walcott

It's time for Walcott to prove his worth after signing a new long-term contract that vaulted him among the team's highest earners.

Regardless of whether he's deployed in his usual position on the flank or used up front, Walcott will be expected to elevate his form and increase the frequency with which his unique style produces winning results.

The English international should be a regular in the first team on a weekly basis and provide Arsenal with a speedy threat in attack, capable of bursting by defenders with each surge up the field.

Keep One Eye On: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Three Questions

1. Has Arsenal done enough to close the gap on Chelsea and Manchester City?
2. Will Arsene Wenger let Theo Walcott play up front in attack?
3. Is this the year Mesut Ozil proves his critics wrong?

Trivial Matters

• Manager: Arsene Wenger
• Nickname: The Gunners
• Stadium: Emirates Stadium (Capacity: 60,272)