Arsenal vs Athletic Club – Match preview and predicted lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal host Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening. Both sides are looking to finish their pre-season preparations on a positive note ahead of the new domestic campaigns.

Arsenal vs Athletic Club – Match preview and team news

Team News

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, and Leandro Trossard can all return to action. All three missed Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat to Villarreal.

Havertz felt something during training and was rested as a precaution. Meanwhile, Calafiori has been nursing a minor strain. Additionally, Trossard continues his recovery from a groin injury sustained during their Asian tour.

Gabriel Magalhães made his first appearance since April against Villarreal. The Brazilian returned after undergoing hamstring surgery. Similarly, Jurrien Timber also returned from an ankle injury. Gabriel’s comeback provides a significant boost to Arteta’s defensive options.

Viktor Gyökeres will be looking to build on his debut against Villarreal following his £55m arrival from Sporting CP. The Swedish striker made his first start for Arsenal in Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat and will be eager to impress further in front of the home crowd.

Furthermore, new signings Martín Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera both made their unofficial home debuts against Villarreal. Zubimendi arrived from Real Sociedad whilst Mosquera joined from Valencia.

Fellow recruits Christian Nørgaard and Noni Madueke are both expected to feature after their successful integration into the squad.

Athletic Club

Athletic Club arrive in concerning form following a disappointing pre-season campaign. The Basque side have endured a torrid run of results. This includes two defeats to Liverpool at Anfield earlier this week, losing 4-1 in their most recent encounter.

Manager Ernesto Valverde will be worried by his side’s five-match losing streak. The team has struggled to find its rhythm ahead of the new La Liga campaign.

Nico Williams will be the dangerman for the visitors. The Spanish winger is looking to rediscover his form after underwhelming performances in recent friendlies. Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet will support the pacey forward in attack.

Unai Simón is expected to start in goal. The defensive line will likely feature Óscar De Marcos, Aitor Paredes, and Yuri Berchiche.

Form

Arsenal: LWWLL

Arteta’s side suffered a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday. This followed their earlier loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong. However, they secured victories over Newcastle United and AC Milan earlier in their pre-season campaign.

Athletic Club: LLLLL

In contrast, the Basque club are enduring a nightmare pre-season. They have suffered five consecutive defeats, including losses to Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven, and Real Sociedad.

Last Meeting

This marks the first-ever encounter between Arsenal and Athletic Club.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Nørgaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Madueke.

Athletic Club: Simón; De Marcos, Paredes, Berchiche, Boiro; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta.

How to Watch Arsenal vs Athletic Club?

The match will be broadcast live on Arsenal’s official channels and website. Additionally, the fixture will be available via the Arsenal app for supporters worldwide.

What time is the Kick-off?

5pm BST.

Read- Tottenham weigh up move for in-demand Chelsea forward

See More –Slot names Liverpool player who can replace Salah during AFCON

Subscribe to our social channels:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube