Arsenal are stepping up their pre-season preparations today, 9 August 2026, as they face Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup. Martin Odegaard returns to captain the side, making his first appearance since the World Cup. Gabriel Magalhaes also starts in defence.
New signing Bruno Guimaraes, who completed his £75m move from Newcastle on Friday, is expected to be presented to the Emirates crowd before kick-off. However, fans will need to wait for his debut as he is not included in the squad for today's match.
Arsenal's starting XI includes Kepa, White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Havertz, Dowman, Gyokeres, and Tzolis. The Gunners are still without some World Cup stars, such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta's side will face FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield in less than two weeks. Their Premier League title defence is set to begin at home against Championship winners Coventry on Friday, 21 August.