Kenya Sport

Arsenal vs Real Betis: Pre-season Friendly Preview, Team News, and Lineups

After a strong showing against Girona, Arsenal aim to keep their flawless pre-season record intact as they take on Real Betis on Wednesday at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The Gunners won their opener 4-1 against Girona, while Betis, already six games into their pre-season, have secured four wins from five matches.

Arsenal’s Summer So Far

Following back-to-back three-goal victories, new signing Christos Tzolis found the net in unofficial play, and teenage talent Max Dowman impressed again. Manager Mikel Arteta couldn’t have asked for much more. The Premier League champions began their defense with a 3-0 win behind closed doors over MK Dons before cruising past Girona.

Sixteen-year-old Dowman stood out with a goal and assist at Estadio Montilivi, alongside efforts from seasoned forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. This match marks Arsenal's third game at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, where they've previously drawn with Chelsea and defeated Dundalk.

While focus remains on the pitch, fans are closely watching the Vinicius Junior transfer saga, which Arteta downplayed when questioned.

Real Betis’ Pre-season Progress

Managed by Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis have played five friendlies so far with only one loss, a 1-0 defeat to Granada. Their recent wins include matches against Lotte, Recreativo de Huelva, Lyon, and Almeria. A late goal from Ivan Corralejo secured their victory over Almeria.

Their fifth-place finish last season earned them a Champions League spot for just the second time ever. Upcoming tests include matches against Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Inter Milan before their La Liga season opener against Real Sociedad.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Arsenal and Real Betis, though they could face each other in the Champions League group stage after the August 27 draw.

Recent Form

  • Arsenal friendly form: Win, Win
  • Real Betis friendly form: Win, Win, Loss, Win, Win

Team News

Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Piero Hincapie returned from World Cup duty but were limited to brief appearances in the Girona game. Arteta likely won't have any World Cup players available for this match. Jurrien Timber missed the Girona game due to groin rehab, while Ben White played 61 minutes without issues. Marli Salmon is an option if White isn't risked.

Real Betis defender Diego Llorente left their last match due to muscular fatigue but faces no serious concerns. Betis miss World Cup finalist Giovani Lo Celso, Aitor Ruibal (knee), Diego Conde (shoulder), and Abde Ezzalzouli (knee). Ex-Real Madrid star Isco featured recently and may start. Former Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin, who scored twice and assisted thrice last season, could face his old club.

Possible Starting Lineups

  • Arsenal: Kepa; Mosquera, Salmon, Hincapie, Calafiori; Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Havertz; Dowman, Jesus, Tzolis
  • Real Betis: Gonzalez; Bellerin, Natan, Gomez, F. Garcia; Roca, Bernal; Antony, Isco, Fornals; Hernandez

Prediction

Arsenal have looked sharp up front throughout their pre-season, but Real Betis will provide a tougher challenge. Given Betis' busy schedule, fatigue might affect their performance. We think Arsenal will extend their perfect run with a 3-1 victory.

Related Articles