Confirmed Arsenal team to face Athletic Bilbao – Zubimendi and Gyokeres start | OneFootball

Arsenal will face Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup after suffering back-to-back defeats in pre-season, and this is the team Mikel Arteta has selected.

Arsenal team news v Athletic Bilbao

This match presents Arteta’s side with a crucial opportunity to regain confidence and signal their readiness for the new campaign. Supporters are eager to see a convincing performance that sets the tone for what is expected to be a pivotal season. The Gunners have finished in second place for the last three consecutive years, and this campaign is widely seen as the one in which they must finally secure the top spot.

Arsenal’s Pre-Season Form and Expectations

The build-up to this match has been mixed for Arsenal. They have shown moments of quality in earlier games, but recent results have raised concerns. Losses to Tottenham and Villarreal have dented pre-season morale, making this fixture even more important as a platform to restore momentum. A victory would not only improve confidence but also send a strong message to upcoming opponents that Arsenal are ready to challenge for honours.

Athletic Bilbao’s Struggles and the Challenge Ahead

Athletic Bilbao come into this match in poor form, having lost their last five games, including two on the same day against Liverpool. This run of results suggests vulnerabilities that Arsenal could exploit, especially with the game taking place at the Emirates Stadium. However, pre-season games can be unpredictable, and complacency would be dangerous.

The Emirates Cup represents more than just a friendly for Arsenal. It is a chance to lay down a marker before the competitive fixtures begin, to integrate tactical adjustments, and to give fans belief in their title ambitions. For the players, it is about proving readiness and sending a clear signal that they are prepared to take the final step from contenders to champions.