Arsenal's Pre-Season Continues
Arsenal's pre-season preparations are in full swing, with the Gunners just two games into their preparations for the new campaign. So far, they have taken on Spanish opposition, thrashing Girona 4-1 in their opening friendly before losing 3-1 to Real Betis in Dublin. Mikel Arteta's men are looking to bounce back from that defeat and get their pre-season back on track.
Dortmund's Pre-Season Form
Borussia Dortmund have played four games already this summer, winning two and losing two of their outings. The Bundesliga side have just returned from Japan, where they came out on top against Tokyo but lost to Cerezo Osaka. Dortmund will be looking to continue their strong form and cause an upset against the Gunners.
Team News
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is back training after his World Cup exploits and could play against Dortmund. Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli should both be back to feature for Arsenal after rejoining the squad post-World Cup after playing for Brazil. Meanwhile, Ecuador's Piero Hincapie, Germany international Kai Havertz, and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres will continue to get minutes following their earlier return from the tournament.
What to Expect
Kick-off at the Emirates Stadium is scheduled for 2pm, and fans will be able to watch the action live on the Gunners' website and app, via their Pre-Season Pass. Supporters can sign up for full coverage of their friendlies for £14.99, while just to watch this game alone, it will cost £6.99. This is Arsenal's first match back at home since their 1-0 win over Burnley in May before lifting the Premier League title on the final day of last season as champions at Selhurst Park having beaten Crystal Palace.
The Emirates Cup
The Emirates Cup is a friendly clash that has been played yearly in various formats to celebrate the partnership with club sponsor Emirates. Arsenal have won the Emirates Cup nine times since its creation, aiming to make it to double digits this pre-season. Last year, the Gunners beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 thanks to goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz.
Current Team News
Jurrien Timber remains a fitness worry in pre-season, while a host of other big names are due back soon, too, Arteta confirmed as he attempted to offer a timeline for key names returning. "It has been ten days away from home," he said in reference to the pre-season tour. "So we're looking forward to coming back, seeing some players as well." Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and David Raya all won the World Cup with Spain and were given extra-time to recover, while Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka all played for England.
Dortmund's Squad
For Dortmund, 20-year-old England U21 international Jobe Bellingham is sure to feature, along with World Cup star Felix Nmecha in midfield. Ex-Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka was substituted with a knock last time out, so he is a doubt.
Conclusion
Arsenal are back at the Emirates Stadium, and they will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Real Betis. Dortmund will be looking to cause an upset and continue their strong form. The Emirates Cup is a friendly clash that has been played yearly in various formats to celebrate the partnership with club sponsor Emirates. Arsenal have won the Emirates Cup nine times since its creation, aiming to make it to double digits this pre-season.