Arsenal are set for one of their final runouts in pre-season as they take on Bayer Leverkusen, so here’s everything you need to know about the friendly.
The Gunners have returned to the UK after their trip to the USA for a pre-season tour across the pond.
Mikel Arteta got a first glimpse of his squad back in action, with a 2-1 win over Manchester United before a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.
With those games out of the way, Arsenal are now just over a week away from returning to Premier League action, where another title challenge awaits.
Clashes against Bayer Leverkusen and Olympique Lyon will round off the preparations in north London before the real thing.
Xabi Alonso’s side are next up, coming off the back of an undefeated Bundesliga season that also saw them lift the DFB Pokal but miss out on the Europa League.
Leverkusen will provide a stern test and perhaps a glimpse into the potential challenges of the Champions League this season.
So with that said, here’s a look at everything you need to know about Arsenal v Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen pre-season friendly date and kick-off time
Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen in the first of two friendlies being played at the Emirates Stadium in pre-season action.
The two teams have faced off twice in competitive action, both times in the 2002 edition of the Champions League.
The Gunners earned a 2-2 draw away in Germany before winning 4-1 back in north London for a group stage win.
- Date: August 7, 2024
- Kick-off time: 18:00 (BST)
- Stadium: The Emirates Stadium, London
How to watch Arsenal v Bayer Leverkusen live stream
While Arsenal’s clash with Bayer Leverkusen won’t be available to watch through traditional television coverage, it will be available via live stream.
Supporters who wish to catch the game can do so via the club’s official streaming platform, with a valid match pass and account.
The individual matchday pass will cost £4.99, while a pre-season pass that includes both the Bayer Leverkusen clash and the Lyon friendly is available as a package deal for £8.99 – though matches won’t be available in Germany, Austria or France respectively.
Match coverage begins at 17:00 (BST), which will include the build-up, action and reaction to everything on show.
You can grab an Arsenal matchday pass here.
Arsenal team news and injuries
Arteta is expected to have a full squad at his disposal on Wednesday evening, with many key players returning to training.
An English trio of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale have all returned to action after an extended break following the end of Euro 2024.
So too is David Raya after helping Spain lift the trophy in Berlin earlier this summer, rounding out the key absentees.
Supporters may get a first glimpse of Riccardo Calafiori in an Arsenal shirt too, following his transfer to the club from Bologna.
Tickets for Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
The Emirates Stadium is sold out for the clash between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday evening, with no more tickets available via the club website.
Prediction
Arsenal are likely to play a full-strength team on Wednesday, with hopes of building the fitness of some key players.
Minutes are likely to be afforded to the likes of Rice, Saka and Raya to get them back at match sharpness, though this may come at the detriment of a performance or a result on the day.
The Gunners are set to welcome back a familiar face in Granit Xhaka, meanwhile, Leverkusen will also reunite with Kai Havertz.
Expect a game with a shifting tempo throughout as both teams look to find their groove again after a summer off.
Arsenal will want to pick up a win to help build momentum heading into the new season.
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