Arsenal start their 2026-27 pre-season with a friendly against Girona on Saturday, marking their first of four warm-up matches before the Premier League kicks off. The Gunners, coming off a title-winning season (1st in Premier League, 70 pts, 21W-7D-4L from 32 games, recent form LWWWW), face a Girona side looking to test their tactical shape against elite opposition.
What’s the team news for Arsenal?
Arsenal are significantly depleted for this pre-season opener. Key players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and David Raya remain on extended post-World Cup breaks, while William Saliba and Jurriën Timber are sidelined due to injuries. Despite these absences, Mikel Arteta can still call upon Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães, and new signing Christos Tzolis for his non-competitive debut.
How have Girona prepared for this match?
Girona have been active in their pre-season preparations, with mixed results in recent friendlies. They secured a 3-1 win over UE Olot but suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Alavés. Manager Quique Alvarez is expected to start Bryan Gil, while Donny van de Beek is likely to come off the bench as he builds match fitness.
What’s the recent form of both teams?
Arsenal ended their previous season with a dramatic UEFA Champions League final, losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. Girona, on the other hand, struggled at the end of their La Liga campaign, finishing near the bottom after an eight-match winless streak. This friendly provides both teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming season.
What’s next for Arsenal?
After this friendly, Arsenal will continue their pre-season schedule with matches against other top European sides. Their next competitive fixture is against Fulham at home on February 20, 2027, as they look to defend their Premier League title.
