Arsenal will play their final friendly before the Community Shield when they welcome Como to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to respond after a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their latest outing, with victory offering the perfect preparation ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
The Gunners have won just one of their three official friendlies this summer, but Arteta will be more focused on fitness, tactical development and integrating new arrivals.
Softfootball understands that Arsenal are keen to finish pre-season on a positive note, particularly after defensive lapses contributed to their latest defeat.
Como, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive fourth-place finish in Serie A last season under Cesc Fàbregas. Their pre-season has produced two wins, one draw and one defeat, although they have conceded in each of their last five matches.
Team News
Arsenal could hand Bruno Guimarães his first appearance following his £75m move from Newcastle. Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and David Raya have returned to training and could feature. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain unavailable.
Como could give Trevoh Chalobah his debut, while Maximo Perrone and Adrian Lahdo are expected to feature in midfield.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimarães, Lewis-Skelly; Dowman, Ødegaard, Tzolis; Havertz.
Como: Butez; Smolcic, Ramon, Chalobah, Kaiki; Perrone, Lahdo; Diao, Caqueret, Liberali; Douvikas.
How to Watch
| Detail | Information |
| Match | Arsenal vs Como |
| Competition | Pre-season friendly |
| Venue | Emirates Stadium |
| Date | Wednesday |
| Kick-off | Check local listings |
| Coverage | Club and broadcast channels |
Prediction
Arsenal should have enough quality at home to edge a competitive encounter.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Como
