Arsenal take on Girona aiming to make it two wins from two at the start of their summer preparations. Premier League champions are set to play their first official exhibition game of the pre-season on Saturday when they reunite with former Champions League foes Girona at the Estadio Montilivi.
While Mikel Arteta's squad is currently missing a bunch of star players who advanced to the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup, the Gunners began their summer on a highly positive note.
Arsenal comfortably dispatched League One side MK Dons 3-0 in a recent behind-closed-doors friendly at their training centre. The victory was secured courtesy of goals from Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri, and 18-year-old striker Ceadach O'Neill.
New signing Christos Tzolis immediately
made an impact by linking with Nelson to register his first unofficial assist in Arsenal colours.
In contrast, Girona enter this friendly following a devastating 2025-26 campaign. The Catalan club, who dazzled Europe just two years ago and reached the Champions League, suffered a shock relegation from La Liga after finishing 19th. The club has since parted ways with long-serving manager Michel, with new head coach Quique Alvarez now tasked with navigating life in the Segunda Division and rebuilding the squad's confidence.
Arsenal Team News and Tactics
Mikel Arteta will have to field a somewhat makeshift lineup as he integrates returning internationals with youth academy prospects and new signings.
In positive news for Arsenal fans, defender Ben White was pictured boarding the plane to Spain following a severe knee injury. However, Jurrien Timber has returned to London to continue his rehabilitation from a groin issue. The Gunners remain without key centre-back William Saliba, who is sidelined for several months after aggravating a long-standing back injury during France's World Cup semi-final loss to Spain. This defensive shortage could open the door for 16-year-old prospect Marli Salmon to earn valuable first-team minutes at the back.
World Cup participants Piero Hincapie, Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyokeres have all linked up with the squad and could feature. Midfielder Fabio Vieira is also present on the tour, despite widespread expectations that he will secure a permanent transfer away from the Emirates in the coming weeks.
Girona Team News and Tactics
Despite their relegation, Girona still boast several notable international talents on their books who can pose a genuine threat.
Ukrainian attackers Vladyslav Vanat who netted twice in a recent friendly draw against Castellon and Viktor Tsygankov remain with the squad, alongside one-time Tottenham Hotspur winger Bryan Gil and midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.
Forgotten Manchester United flop Donny van de Beek is also in the mix for the hosts. The Dutchman played just two matches last season due to a serious Achilles injury but managed 45 minutes of action against Castellon on Wednesday, indicating he is finally nearing match fitness.
Arsenal vs Girona Predicted Lineups
Girona Predicted XI: Krapyvytsov; A. Martinez, Lopez, Yaakobishvili, Moreno; Beltran, Martin; Camara, Misehouy, Gil; Vanat.
Arsenal Predicted XI: Kepa; Mosquera, Salmon, Calafiori, Hincapie; Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard; Dowman, Nwaneri, Tzolis; Jesus.
Arsenal vs Girona Live Streaming and Telecast
The Arsenal vs Girona match will telecast on the Arsenal app and website after a subscription. The match starts at 11:30 pm IST on Saturday, which is 7 pm GMT.
