Arsenal Set to Kick Off Pre-Season Tour with MLS All-Star Clash
As Arsenal gears up for another title challenge in the upcoming Premier League season, Mikel Arteta’s side is set to begin their July tour of the USA with an intriguing clash against an MLS All-Star team. The Gunners will be looking to make the most of their pre-season games to prepare for the challenges ahead.
Although Arsenal lost out to Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title last season, they are determined to use that experience to push for success once again. The London giants have already made one senior summer signing, bringing in Kai Havertz from Chelsea. Additionally, it is expected that Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber will be announced as new signings before the match against the MLS All-Stars.
One notable absence from the MLS All-Stars team is Lionel Messi, who recently joined Inter Miami. However, the team will still feature several famous faces and will be managed by Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney.
The pre-season clash between Arsenal and the MLS All-Stars is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 19, at Audi Field in Washington DC. The kick-off time is set for 8:30 pm local time, which means it will start at 1:30 am on Thursday, July 20, for UK fans. The match will be broadcast on Apple TV, and supporters can sign up for a seven-day free trial or pay a monthly subscription of £6.99 to watch the game.
For those who prefer to follow the match through radio coverage, talkSPORT will provide updates, and talkSPORT.com will have all the best reactions from Arsenal’s third pre-season fixture. Fans can tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website or listen via the talkSPORT app, DAB digital radio, smart speakers, or on 1089 or 1053 AM.
In terms of team news, Arsenal is expected to have Rice and Timber available for the match, allowing them to make their non-competitive debuts. The Gunners had a few injury concerns towards the end of last season, with Gabriel Martinelli, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and William Saliba all missing chunks of the run-in. However, all five players have returned to training and are likely to play some part in the game against the MLS All-Stars.
On the other side, the MLS All-Stars squad boasts several recognizable names. Former Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is expected to lead the line, while ex-Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki will be guarding the net. Additionally, Argentina World Cup winner Thiago Almada has been included in the squad, adding further excitement to the match.
Overall, Arsenal’s clash against the MLS All-Stars promises to be an exciting pre-season fixture as both teams look to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming season. With new signings and returning players, the Gunners will be aiming to make a strong statement and build momentum for their title challenge. Fans around the world will be eagerly watching as these two teams go head-to-head in what is sure to be an entertaining encounter.