Arsenal is set to conclude its pre-season campaign with a friendly match against Como, aiming to end on a positive note after suffering two consecutive defeats. The Gunners, managed by Mikel Arteta, have faced challenges recently, conceding six goals in their last two outings. They lost 3-1 to Real Betis in Dublin and followed that with a narrow 3-2 defeat against Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium.
As they prepare to welcome Como, a team that has been rapidly ascending in European football under the guidance of former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal seeks to solidify their defensive strategies. Last season, their defense was instrumental in securing a Premier League title, but recent performances have raised concerns about their readiness for the upcoming season.
The match against Como will take place at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, August 12, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM BST. This friendly serves as a crucial final test for the Gunners before they begin their 2026/27 campaign with a Community Shield match against Manchester City in Cardiff.
Fans eager to watch the friendly can do so for free on Arsenal's official YouTube channel. This comes after the club decided to offer complimentary viewing following technical difficulties experienced during a previous pre-season match against Girona, which had left some fans unable to access the paid streaming service on Arsenal.com.
In terms of team news, Bruno Guimaraes is expected to make his debut for Arsenal after being introduced to the fans during the match against Dortmund. Key players such as David Raya, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice have returned to training and may feature in this game. However, Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are still sidelined due to injuries.
Como, on the other hand, might also showcase a new face familiar to London fans. Trevoh Chalobah, who recently joined from Chelsea, could be in line to make his debut for the Italian side. This match not only serves as a final preparation for Arsenal but also as an opportunity for Como to test their squad against a top-tier opponent.
As both teams finalize their preparations, the predicted line-ups suggest that Arsenal will field a strong squad, including players like Kepa, White, and Odegaard, while Como is likely to feature Butez, Chalobah, and Rodriguez. With both teams looking to build momentum, this friendly promises to be an engaging encounter as they gear up for their respective seasons.
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