Arsenal officially kick off their pre-season campaign on Saturday with a friendly against Segunda Division side Girona at Estadi Montilivi. The match, which kicks off at 7pm UK time, is not broadcast on UK television but will be streamed live on Arsenal's official app and website via the club's pre-season pass, priced at £14.99 for the full package or £6.99 per individual match.
Team News and Returners
Manager Mikel Arteta is expected to field a strong squad, with new summer signings Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier potentially involved. The duo have been integrated into the squad during the warm-weather training camp in Spain. Additionally, key players Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, Viktor Gyokeres, and Kai Havertz have all returned to training following the World Cup and could feature in the match.
Arsenal's pre-season preparations began last weekend with a 3-0 victory over MK Dons in a behind-closed-doors friendly. The trip to Spain marks the first opportunity for fans to see the team in action since their Champions League final defeat.
How to Follow the Match
Metro's live matchday blog provides comprehensive coverage, including confirmed team news, starting XIs, goal updates, and minute-by-minute analysis. The confirmed lineups are expected to be announced around 6pm UK time, an hour before kick-off.
For supporters unable to attend, the match is exclusively available through Arsenal's digital platforms. The pre-season pass, costing £14.99, grants access to all pre-season fixtures, while individual match passes are available at £6.99 per game.
Match Odds and Expectations
According to Betfair, Arsenal are heavy favourites to win, with odds of 8/13, while a Girona victory is priced at 15/4 and a draw at 13/5. The Gunners will look to build momentum ahead of the new season, with Arteta expected to rotate his squad to give valuable minutes to returning internationals and new signings.
The friendly also serves as a test for Girona, who are preparing for their Segunda Division campaign. The Catalan side will be eager to make a strong impression against Premier League opposition.
Pre-Season Priorities
Arteta's primary objective during pre-season is to ensure his players regain match fitness and integrate new arrivals into the team's tactical framework. The match against Girona provides an ideal opportunity to experiment with formations and partnerships ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Fans will be particularly interested in seeing how Tzolis and Meslier adapt to Arsenal's style of play. The duo's performances could influence Arteta's starting lineup choices for the season opener.
Stay tuned to Metro's live blog for all the latest updates, including team news, in-game events, and post-match analysis.
