Pre-season home fixtures offer the first chance for supporters to assess progress after midweek setbacks. Managers use these games to integrate recent arrivals while carefully managing those returning from major tournaments. Free streaming options ensure fans around the world can follow every minute.
Squads still missing key personnel often rotate heavily in the final warm-up matches. Positive responses to consecutive defeats help rebuild confidence ahead of the competitive curtain-raiser. New signings eager for their first minutes add extra interest for the home crowd.
Arsenal host Como at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday looking to end a run of two pre-season defeats. Kick-off is at 7.30pm BST, with the match available to watch free on the Arsenal YouTube channel in the UK, USA, India and Australia.
Mikel Arteta’s side lost 3-1 to Real Betis and 3-2 to Borussia Dortmund in their previous outings. The Gunners will hope for a stronger display against Cesc Fabregas’ side, who finished fourth in Serie A last season to qualify for the Champions League.
Bruno Guimaraes is expected to feature for the first time since completing his £75million move from Newcastle. The Brazil international was introduced to the Emirates crowd before the Dortmund game and is likely to receive minutes, although he may not start.
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Arteta has already spoken warmly about the midfielder’s impact. “I’m delighted to have him. We see very clearly, especially the energy that he brought immediately to the training ground, the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club. That’s the ambition that we need,” the Arsenal manager said.
Christos Tzolis impressed against Dortmund and is expected to feature again. Several senior players remain unavailable, with Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino yet to join the squad fully. Jurrien Timber continues his recovery from a groin issue while William Saliba is a longer-term absentee with a back injury.
Como will be without some of their own returning players but have added former Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah on a five-year deal. Fabregas described the signing as an important statement of the club’s ambition.
Supporters will look for improved defensive solidity and a first glimpse of Guimaraes in red and white. Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield on 16 August before beginning their Premier League title defence at home to Coventry City. The Como friendly represents the final home preparation match of the summer.