Ready for some football? Arsenal is looking to end their pre-season on a high note this Saturday, as they host Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup. This isn't just any friendly match; the Gunners have a chance to lift a trophy right in front of their home crowd, defending their title from last year.
Arsenal's Recent Struggles
Mikel Arteta's side is keen to turn things around after back-to-back defeats. They lost to Tottenham and then suffered a frustrating 3-2 loss to Villarreal. That match was a real rollercoaster, with Arsenal's defense looking a bit shaky. Their old record signing, Nicolas Pepe, even scored the first goal for Villarreal! Despite goals from Arsenal's Karl Etta Eyong and Martin Odegaard, they ultimately came up short. A subsequent penalty shootout loss just added to the frustration.
One of the few bright spots was the performance of 15-year-old Max Dowman, who continues to impress. However, new signing Viktor Gyokeres had a quiet debut, and the team’s creative issues from last season seemed to reappear. This final pre-season game is the last chance for the new players to get comfortable before the real action starts.
Bilbao's Tough Run
While Arsenal may be down after two losses, Athletic Bilbao is in an even tougher spot. The Spanish team has lost their last five friendly matches in a row, including two on the same day to Liverpool. Their pre-season has been less than stellar, and they'll be desperate to salvage some pride.
However, Bilbao did have a huge win off the pitch recently, securing a massive 10-year contract extension for star winger Nico Williams. This move put an end to all the transfer rumors linking him with big clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona. Williams will be at the Emirates, and he'll be a key player to watch as Bilbao tries to get their season back on track before their La Liga opener.
Team News and Key Players
Arsenal is hoping to have some players back from injury. Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, and Leandro Trossard are all expected to be available after picking up minor issues. Unfortunately, Gabriel Jesus is still a long way from returning. On the other hand, new signing Noni Madueke could get another chance to impress after a tough debut.
For Athletic Bilbao, their squad will feature a mix of familiar faces and some new blood. Goalkeeper Unai Simon will be between the posts, with new signing Jesus Areso likely to feature in defense. Up front, the Williams brothers, Nico and Iñaki, are expected to lead the attack alongside talented playmaker Oihan Sancet.
Can Arsenal defend their title and head into the new season with some confidence, or will Athletic Bilbao finally find a win to end their pre-season slump? This Saturday's match promises to be an interesting one.
