Arsenal finish their pre-season campaign on Wednesday evening at the Emirates Stadium, where they will face Serie A outfit Como. Manager Mikel Arteta’s side seeks to bounce back from back-to-back friendly defeats, including a recent 3-2 setback against Borussia Dortmund. Como, under the guidance of former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, has enjoyed an impressive pre-season and is keen to build momentum ahead of the new campaign.
This match serves as a real step for Arsenal as they prepare for the Community Shield clash with Manchester City on Sunday, following a disappointing run of results after defeating Girona at the start of the summer. According to reports from 101 Great Goals, Arteta’s priority is to integrate new signings and enhance fitness levels, especially as the Premier League season approaches.
Injury Concerns for Arsenal Ahead of Match
Arsenal supporters may be treated to their first glimpse of new signing Bruno Guimaraes, who has recently joined from Newcastle. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and David Raya have returned to training after their World Cup commitments and are likely to feature, though Arteta is expected to manage their playing time carefully. The Gunners will be without William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, both facing extended absences, meaning Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are set to continue their roles in central defence alongside Gabriel.
Como’s Impressive Pre-Season Form
Como have been solid in their pre-season preparations, achieving two wins, one draw, and a penalty shootout defeat, netting nine goals in total. The Italian club’s recent successes reflect their ambition to build on a promising fourth-place finish in Serie A last season, which earned them qualification for the Champions League. Their manager, Cesc Fabregas, will be relishing the opportunity to face his former club in this pre-season fixture.
Potential Strategies and Expected Line-Ups
Expect to see a revamped Arsenal side as they aim for a morale boost before facing Manchester City. The north London club are likely to employ an attacking mindset, whilst resolving defensive vulnerabilities that have surfaced during their summer matches. For Como, a debut could await former Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who joins the squad as they look to solidify their own preparations.
The SportiveNews view
Wednesday’s match provides Arsenal an opportunity to fine-tune their tactics and recover momentum ahead of the Community Shield. With key players returning, this clash against Como could be pivotal in fortifying team cohesion, particularly as they seek to enhance their performance in the Champions League.
Frequently asked questions
What is the kick-off time for Arsenal vs Como?
The match is set to begin at 7:30pm BST on Wednesday, 12 August, at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Where can I watch Arsenal vs Como?
The match will be available for live streaming on Arsenal.com and via the official Arsenal app, accessible for both UK and international audiences through a match pass.
What are the latest stats for Arsenal’s pre-season?
As reported, Arsenal have won just one of their four pre-season matches so far, conceding six goals across their last two friendlies, highlighting areas that need improvement ahead of the competitive season.
Source: Based on reporting from 101 Great Goals. SportiveNews rewrote and analysed the story independently for football readers.
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