Arsenal Prepares for Final Pre-Season Match Against Como
Arsenal aims to finish their pre-season campaign on a positive note after suffering consecutive defeats that have left Mikel Arteta with several concerns as the new season approaches.
The Gunners, who previously relied on a strong defense to secure their Premier League title win last season, have conceded six goals over their last two matches, falling 3-1 to Real Betis in Dublin and subsequently losing 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium.
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Now, they will host Champions League contenders Como in north London. The Italian side is emerging as one of the fastest-growing teams in Europe under the leadership of former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
This match serves as the final preparation for Arsenal as they gear up to kick off the 2026/27 season with a Community Shield clash against Manchester City in Cardiff this weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Arsenal vs Como?
The match between Arsenal and Como will commence at 7:30pm BST on Wednesday, 12 August, at the Emirates Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Supporters can catch the friendly match for free on Arsenal’s YouTube channel, as the paid pre-season streaming option on Arsenal.com was recently made unavailable due to technical issues experienced during their previous game against Girona.
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Team news
Bruno Guimaraes might make his Arsenal debut after being introduced to fans during the game against Dortmund. Key players such as David Raya, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, along with those who participated in the World Cup from England and Spain, have resumed training this week and could see action. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba will not play due to injuries.
Como is also expected to feature a familiar face in Trevoh Chalobah, who is available for selection after his recent transfer from Chelsea.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie; Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Havertz; Dowman, Gyokeres, Tzolis.
Como XI: Butez; Couto, Kempf, Chalobah, Valle; Milla, Da Cunha; Caqueret, Baturina, Rodriguez; Douvikas.
Arsenal will look to end pre-season on a high after back-to-back defeats left Mikel Arteta with work to do before the start of the new campaign.
The Gunners, whose defence was hailed as key to their Premier League title triumph last term, have conceded six goals across their last two games, losing 3-1 to Real Betis in Dublin before falling to a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund back at the Emirates Stadium.
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They now welcome Champions League-bound Como to north London, who are one of Europe’s fastest-rising teams under the management of former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
This is their final tune-up with Arsenal kicking 2026/27 off on the weekend with a Community Shield showdown against Manchester City in Cardiff.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Arsenal vs Como?
Arsenal’s clash with Como kicks off at 7:30pm BST on Wednesday 12 August at the Emirates Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Fans can watch the friendly for free on Arsenal’s YouTube channel, with the paid pre-season streaming package on Arsenal.com being thrown out after technical issues during the live stream of their win against Girona.
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Team news
Bruno Guimaraes could be handed his Arsenal debut after being unveiled to the crowd against Dortmund. The likes of David Raya, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, along with all of the other England and Spain players from the World Cup, have returned to training this week and could get some minutes. Jurrien Timber and William Saliba remain out injured.
Como may also field a debutant that will be familiar to London, with Trevoh Chalobah in contention after joining from Chelsea on the weekend.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal XI: Kepa; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie; Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Havertz; Dowman, Gyokeres, Tzolis.
Como XI: Butez; Couto, Kempf, Chalobah, Valle; Milla, Da Cunha; Caqueret, Baturina, Rodriguez; Douvikas.
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