Arsenal vs Real Betis: Pre-Season Friendly Preview, Lineups, and Prediction
After a commanding 4-1 win over Girona, Arsenal aim to keep their perfect pre-season record intact in Wednesday’s friendly against Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium. The Gunners started strong with back-to-back wins, including a 3-0 behind-closed-doors victory over MK Dons and an impressive display against Spanish second-tier Girona.
Meanwhile, Real Betis enter this fixture with five games already played in their pre-season campaign, winning four of them. Their only setback was a narrow 1-0 defeat to Granada on July 25. The Spanish side secured Champions League qualification by finishing fifth in La Liga last season, making this match a stern test for both teams.
Current Form and Key Players
Arsenal’s new signing Christos Tzolis has already made his mark with a goal, while teenage talent Max Dowman impressed with both a goal and an assist. Experienced forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also contributed to the scoring against Girona. Manager Mikel Arteta seems pleased with the team’s progress so far as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.
Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, have had solid results against teams like Lotte, Recreativo de Huelva, Lyon, and Almeria. Ivan Corralejo scored a late winner in their latest 1-0 victory over Almeria. The team now faces three matches against high-caliber European opposition, including Arsenal and Bournemouth, before the La Liga season begins.
Injury and Team News
Arsenal will likely be without several players returning late from World Cup duty, including Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Piero Hincapie, who all had limited minutes in the previous game. Jurrien Timber missed the Girona match due to groin rehab. Defender Ben White returned after a long injury layoff, but manager Arteta may prefer to use youngster Marli Salmon to avoid risks.
Real Betis are missing key figures such as Giovani Lo Celso, Aitor Ruibal, Diego Conde, and Abde Ezzalzouli due to injuries. Diego Llorente left their last game early with muscle fatigue but is expected to recover soon. Former Real Madrid star Isco recently got some minutes and could start. Ex-Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin, who scored twice last season for Betis, might face his old club.
Possible Starting Lineups
- Arsenal: Kepa; Mosquera, Salmon, Hincapie, Calafiori; Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Havertz; Dowman, Jesus, Tzolis
- Real Betis: Gonzalez; Bellerin, Natan, Gomez, F. Garcia; Roca, Bernal; Antony, Isco, Fornals; Hernandez
Prediction
Arsenal have shown attacking promise with their youthful squad and look set to extend their unbeaten pre-season run. Real Betis face their sixth friendly and may begin to feel the effects of fatigue. We expect Arsenal to secure a 3-1 victory, continuing their strong preparation ahead of the new season.
