Xhaka returns home as Riccardo Calafiori sets up for home debut against Bayen Leverkusen

Xhaka returns home as Riccardo Calafiori sets up for home debut against Bayen Leverkusen

Eric Munene 11:30 - 06.08.2024

Arsenal vs Bayern Leverkusen preview & line-ups

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening for a pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, marking their first home match of the summer after a tour across the United States.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 EAT, and the game will be played in North London at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's pre-season form and team news:

Arsenal's pre-season campaign has been somewhat inconsistent, with mixed results from their U.S. tour.

However, Mikel Arteta's side is eager to build momentum ahead of the new season.

This fixture will be a significant opportunity for the squad to fine-tune their preparations and integrate new signings into the team.

New recruit Riccardo Calafiori is set for his home debut, having joined from Roma. Jurrien Timber, who missed the US tour, is also in contention for a place in the starting XI.

Key players who were absent during the tour, such as William Saliba, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and David Raya, have returned to training and are expected to feature. K

Karl Hein may share goalkeeping duties with Raya, while young talent Ethan Nwaneri could see more action in midfield.

Bayer Leverkusen's pre-Season form and team news:

Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, comes into this friendly with a strong pre-season showing and a successful 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign, where they were unbeaten throughout the season.

The team is well-prepared to defend their title, having retained most of their squad from the previous season.

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka will make a return to the Emirates, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture.

Xhaka is expected to play a key role alongside new signing Aleix Garcia in the midfield.

Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo, fresh from Euro 2024, are available for selection.

However, Alonso will be without Exequiel Palacios, who is recovering from meniscus surgery.

Arsenal vs Bayern Leverkusen predicted Line-ups

Arsenal:

Raya; White, Timber, Gabriel, Kiwior; Partey, Odegaard, Nwaneri; Vieira, Havertz, Martinelli

Bayer Leverkusen:

Hradecky; Kossounou, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Garcia, Xhaka, Hlozek; Wirtz, Adli; Boniface

This match presents an exciting opportunity for both teams to test their readiness ahead of the new season.

Arsenal will look to leverage their home advantage, while Bayer Leverkusen aims to continue their strong form from last season.