Arsenal-Villarreal, the probable formations of the friendly
We are still in the midst of August soccer, between friendly tests and tactical run-ins, but the start of the season is now just around the corner. Among the teams arriving at this point in the summer with high expectations is undoubtedly Arsenal, which with Mikel Arteta has built a solid, ambitious project that is ever closer to the top of the Premier League. The goal is clear: to return to winning ways, despite a domestic competition that knows no rest and is strengthening on all fronts.
The Gunners, however, are also playing their part. The London team’s next engagement will be against Villarreal, for a strong international test scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m., at Emirates Stadium.
For both Arsenal and Villarreal, this challenge represents much more than just a summer outing: it will be an opportunity to assess the level of preparation and test the new recruits ahead of the official start of the season.
For the hosts there is great curiosity around Viktor Gyökeres, who has arrived from Sporting CP to fill a historic gap in attack. The London club has invested heavily, including on other fronts, with the purchases of Zubimendi, Madueke and Mosquera. Last season showed impressive defensive solidity, but also a less incisive attack than champion Liverpool. The hope is that the Swede-who chose Thierry Henry’s shirt number-could be the key to making the leap forward.
Villarreal, on the other hand, is adopting a more sober but consistent line with its philosophy: a few targeted grafts, such as Rafa Marin from Real Madrid and Tajon Buchanan (former Inter), to reinforce a group that finished last season with a prestigious fifth place in La Liga and Champions League qualification. After facing Leeds, it is now time for the “Yellow Submarine” to face Arsenal, before the test against Aston Villa, this time at home.
Probable lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Norgaard, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli
Coach: Mikel Arteta
Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Diego Conde; Altimira, Kambwala, Rafa Marin, Pedraza; Santi Comesaña, Parejo; Buchanan, Yeremy, Danjuma; Gerard Moreno
Coach: Marcelino
