Arsenal vs. Real Betis preseason match thread

Arsenal FC will face Real Betis Balompie in a pre-season friendly match at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on August 5, 2026. This is the Gunners' second preseason game of the campaign, following one in Dortmund and before another against Como and the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16th. The Premier League season commences 16 days from this date, with newly promoted Coventry City set to visit the Emirates Stadium.

Expect Kepa, Dean White (captain), Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Havertz, Nwaneri, Dowman, Tzolis, Gyokeres, Magalhaes, and Martinelli to feature in Arsenal's lineup, as both Magalhaes and Martinelli have rejoined their teammates after a week-long Spain trip. Martin Ødegaard is currently in London for training and will not be part of the team during this match. England's World Cup squad is anticipated to return next, including players such as Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Ebere Eze, and Noni Madueke.

Injuries are a concern as the season unfolds, with William Saliba expected to miss the beginning of it due to a back injury. As usual, the purpose of the preseason is for players to gain more playing time, regain form, and prevent injuries. The match will be streamed on CBS Sports in the U.S. and on various platforms across the globe.