Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made two changes to his starting lineup for today’s Emirates Cup Final against Borussia Dortmund. The match marks the team’s first home game since becoming Premier League champions. Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm.
Gabriel and Martin Odegaard are both set to start at Emirates Stadium, returning to the squad after their involvement in the FIFA World Cup. They will replace Piero Hincapie and Ethan Nwaneri, who featured in Wednesday’s match against Real Betis. Odegaard will also captain the side.
Other players retaining their positions include Kepa in goal, with Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, and Riccardo Calafiori forming part of the defence. In midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Kai Havertz will play behind a front three consisting of Max Dowman, Viktor Gyokeres, and Christos Tzolis.
The Gunners are still without several players who participated in the World Cup, including England internationals Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. However, Gabriel Magalhaes made his return in the 3-1 defeat to Real Betis in Dublin, indicating a gradual return to full strength for Arteta‘s squad.
Squad updates and pre-season preparations
The team has been boosted by the recent signing of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. While the midfielder completed his £75m move and is expected to be presented at the Emirates before kick-off, he is not included in the squad for the match against Borussia Dortmund and will not make his debut today.
The match against Borussia Dortmund is part of Arsenal‘s pre-season preparations. The team will face FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield in less than two weeks. Their Premier League title defence is set to begin at home against Championship winners Coventry on Friday, August 21.
Arteta commented on the team’s performance following the 3-1 loss to Real Betis, stating that his players were “fuming” over their mistakes. He added that there would be “fire in the belly” for the upcoming game against Borussia Dortmund. He noted that it is preferable to concede goals in a friendly match rather than an official one, highlighting the balance between understanding the team’s current state and the demands of top-level football.
During the match against Real Betis, Arsenal conceded two goals due to errors, including one from goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Piero Hincapie scored a header to reduce the deficit before half-time. The second half of that match saw the return of Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, who gained some playing minutes.
A significant portion of Arsenal‘s squad, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and David Raya, are still to return from their World Cup break. They are expected to rejoin the team in the coming week.
Emirates Cup Line-ups
The confirmed starting lineups for the Emirates Cup Final are as follows:
- Arsenal: Kepa, Mosquera, White, Gabriel, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard (C), Havertz, Dowman, Gyokeres, Tzolis.
- Substitutes for Arsenal include: Hincapie, Jesus, Martinelli, Vieira, Nwaneri, Nelson, Meslier, Setford, Salmon, Kabia, Ibrahim, Ogunnaike, Julienne, O’Neill.
For Borussia Dortmund:
- Borussia Dortmund: Meyer, Bensebaini, Bellingham, Nmecha (C), Beier, Karetsas, Silva, Gadou, Svensson, Mane, Inacio.
- Substitutes for Borussia Dortmund include: Drewes, Guirassy, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer, Lerma, Prates, Albert, Kabar, Yamamoto, Reggiani, Riedl.
The match is set to begin at 2pm.
Source: arsenal.com