Two of the biggest clubs in English football will clash in a high-profile preseason friendly in California on Saturday evening, as Arsenal takes on Manchester United. Arsenal are gearing up for their 2024-25 Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17, while Manchester United will kick off their new campaign against Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10.
Arsenal's preseason tour of the United States began with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Wednesday evening. Fabio Viera put Mikel Arteta's side ahead in the 18th minute, but Bournemouth equalized in the 73rd minute through Antoine Semenyo. Arsenal eventually triumphed 5-4 on penalties. The Gunners will face Manchester United and Liverpool in their final two U.S. matches before returning to England for friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon. Arteta's team will then start their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 17, aiming to build on their recent strong league finishes.
This summer has been relatively quiet for Arsenal in the transfer market, with David Raya's permanent move from Brentford being their most significant piece of business. However, the next few weeks are expected to be busy on the transfer front as Arteta looks to strengthen his squad further.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have already played twice this summer. They began their preparations with a 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg on July 15 but bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Rangers on Saturday. The Red Devils are now set for three matches in the United States against Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool before returning to England for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City on August 10. Erik ten Hag's side will then begin their Premier League campaign against Fulham six days later, facing significant pressure to perform after finishing eighth in the league last season.
United have made two signings this summer, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro from Bologna and Lille, respectively. The club is working on several other deals to strengthen the squad further before the transfer window closes. Ten Hag's priority areas include central midfield and center-back, but further departures may be necessary to facilitate new arrivals.
Team News: For Arsenal, several key players, including Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, David Raya, and William Saliba, are absent due to their involvement in the latter stages of this summer's European Championship. However, Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz are set to join the squad ahead of this match and could potentially be involved against Manchester United. Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are not available due to injuries. Key players like Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho, Jurrien Timber, Jakub Kiwior, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are expected to start. Karl Hein is likely to continue as the goalkeeper, while Emile Smith Rowe may miss out as he is reportedly close to a move away from the Emirates Stadium.
For Manchester United, new signing Leny Yoro made his debut against Rangers and is expected to feature again. Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund, and Scott McTominay have traveled with the squad despite their Euro 2024 involvement. Tyrell Malacia remains sidelined through injury, and several players, including Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Pellistri, and Luke Shaw, are unavailable due to international commitments. Joshua Zirkzee will not join the squad until after the tour. Amad Diallo, who impressed against Rangers, is likely to keep his spot, with Casemiro, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, and Marcus Rashford also expected to feature in the starting XI.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal: Hein; White, Timber, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Thomas, Jorginho, Odegaard; Viera, Jesus, Trossard. Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Yoro, Evans, Amass; Casemiro, McTominay, Mount; Amad, Hojlund, Rashford.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United. Preseason friendlies are often unpredictable, especially with major teams meeting in unfamiliar settings. With both managers having strong squads, a tight match is expected, with the spoils likely to be shared on Saturday night.
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