Arsenal USA Pre-season Preview: Three games to test new signings

From 19 July, the Gunners will embark on a pre-season journey in the United States and expect an optimistic start ahead of the new season, with Arteta's side looking forward to more exciting content for fans after drawing 1-1 with Watford and Nurnberg respectively.

lineup

Arsenal announced their line-up for the United States on July 16, including:

Goalkeepers: Ramsdale, Runarsson, Hein.

Defenders: Saliba, Tierney, White, Gabriel, Timber, Holding, Kenyo Tomiyasu, Trasti, Zinchenko, Kiviol

Midfielders: Odegaard, Jorginho, Patrick Vieira, Elneni, Kai Havertz, Rice

Forwards: Saca, Jesus, Martinelli, Nketia, Trossard, Balogón, Marquinhos, Kozel Duberry

According to the club's statement, European youth champion Smith-Rowe and midfielder Thomas are expected to return next week. The former needs some rest, while Thomas's absence has sparked speculation among fans, with the Ghana international rumoured to have agreed with the Saudi side.

American goalkeeper Turner, who has returned from the Gold Cup, is expected to be given a break by Arteta. Since he is already in the United States, he may still join the team at a later stage.

Players not travelling with the squad include Oconkovo, Cedric Suarez, Pepe, Tavares, Lokunga and Nelson. With the exception of Nelson, who has already renewed his contract, the others were either loaned out last season or are not expected to be part of the team's future plans.

Schedule

1. MLS All-Stars (July 19)

Arsenal will play the first game of their US tour at Audi Stadium in Washington, D.C., against Manchester United's MLS All-Stars. Over the years, MLS All-Stars have beaten European powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Bayern, Juventus and Tottenham, and Arteta's side should not take this opponent lightly.

2. Manchester United (22 July)

This blockbuster showdown will be held at MetLife Stadium and will get a lot of attention. Both clubs are expecting a positive result in pre-season and building on last season's results, with fans expecting a game worth the money.

3. Barcelona (July 26)

In the final U.S. pre-season game, the Gunners will face La Liga champions Barcelona in Los Angeles. The match at SoFi Stadium is part of the Football Champions Cup series. The new pre-season series will feature nine matches from 22 July to 2 August, and will include six European clubs including Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juve, Milan and Manchester United.

Sporting Director Edu said: "Our match against Barca in Los Angeles is another great opportunity for Mikel Arteta and our first team to prepare for the new season. We are proud to play at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams, and it will be a special moment for everyone at the club." ”

What to expect?

The Gunners are expected to field the strongest starting line-up, as they did against Nuremberg, followed by a significant rotation. The club's three new signings Kai Havertz, Timber and Rice are all in the squad and their performances will be closely watched by commentators and fans alike.

Another newcomer to watch is 18-year-old Kozel Duberry. The winger is the only youth player on the U.S. trip and is expected to make his first-team debut. The young Englishman has not previously played in Germany's pre-season against Nurnberg and should be excited about the call-up. He played a key role in Arsenal's participation in the FA Youth Cup and now has the opportunity to show what he can do to Arteta and the fans.

After the friendly against Nuremberg, the team desperately wanted to show something gratifying for the fans. Arteta and his players are sure to start a high-profile season under some pressure and this trip to the U.S. will be an important opportunity to test the squad.