The USA tour kicks-off tonight (Wednesday) in Washington, DC.
This match will be an interesting test for Mikel Arteta and his squad since they are facing an MLS All-Star team whose players already have played a minimum of 22 matches this MLS season. On the flip side, the Gunners have only two preseason games in the book, however, except for the new signings, the majority of the Gunners have played together many times, while the MLS All-Stars have not.
I give the final nod to Arsenal to win the match, however, for Mikel Arteta that might not be the primary goal.
Could the boss start all three of his new signings in DC? Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz have not played a single match with each other let alone their Arsenal teammates. However, I believe the sooner he gets his primary starting XI on the pitch together, the better the results will be when the Premier League season starts next month.
England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney will manage the MLS All-Stars. The DC United boss has a list of great players to choose from on his roster, including DC United striker Christian Benteke, FC Cincinnati midfielder Luciano Acosta and Nashville SC striker Hany Mukhtar.
Tonight’s match will be the first of three Arsenal preseason games to be played on this summer’s USA tour. Next up is Manchester United in New York on the 22nd, then Barcelona in Los Angeles on the 26th.
The Gunners then return back to London to face Monaco in the Emirates Cup on August 2nd, then Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on August 6th.
The Premier League campaign kicks-off v Nottingham Forest on August 12th in emirates Stadium.
COYG!
Gunner1953
Manchester City has lost five matches in a row in all competitions while being outscored 4 to 14. City will play Liverpool at Anfield on December 1st.
Nov 30 – West Ham United (A)
Ethan Nwaneri scored his first senior team goal for Arsenal v Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
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