Arsenal vs Como: Confirmed Lineups for Pre-Season Friendly
The starting XIs for the pre-season friendly between Arsenal and Como at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday have been announced.
Following a recent home defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal is looking to bounce back in this friendly. This marks their first match at the Emirates since their triumphant 2026/27 Premier League season. Fans will also have the opportunity to welcome new signing Bruno Guimaraes, a £75 million acquisition from Newcastle.
Como, managed by former Arsenal favorite Cesc Fabregas, achieved their highest-ever Serie A finish last season, securing fourth place and Champions League qualification.
Arsenal's Confirmed Starting Team vs Como
Manager Mikel Arteta has made seven alterations from the squad that faced Dortmund. Notably, England forward Eberechi Eze will make his pre-season debut. Theo Julienne, Marli Salmon, Piero Hincapie, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli are also set to start. World Cup winners David Raya and Mikel Merino, along with England's Noni Madueke, are among the substitutes.
Arsenal starting XI: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Theo Julienne, Marli Salmon, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal substitutes: David Raya, Tommy Setford, Illan Meslier, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Christos Tzolis, Noni Madueke, Fabio Vieira, Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, Bruno Guimaraes, Josh Ogunnaike
Como's Full Lineup vs Arsenal
Jean Butez, Jacobo Ramon, Maximo Perrone, Mattia Liberali, and Assane Diao retain their spots from Como's previous 3-2 victory over Famalicao on July 31. England defender Trevoh Chalobah, a recent signing from Chelsea, is named on the bench, as is former Spain international Alvaro Morata, who joined permanently on July 1.
Como starting XI: Jean Butez, Marc-Oliver Kempf, Alex Valle, Tasos Douvikas, Jacobo Ramon, Yan Couto, Martin Baturina, Maximo Perrone, Mattia Liberali, Lucas Da Cunha, Assane Diao
Como substitutes: Mauro Vigorito, Alberto Dossena, Edoardo Goldaniga, Maxence Caqueret, Alvaro Morata, Alessandro Gabrielloni, Adrian Lahdo, Jesus Rodriguez, Nicolas Kuhn, Noel Tornqvist, Luis Milla, Trevoh Chalobah, Kaiki, Emil Audero, Alieu Fadera
Key Match Statistics and History
- This is the inaugural meeting between Arsenal and Como.
- Arsenal has faced Italian opposition in pre-season and reached the Champions League final in 2025/26.
- Arsenal's record against Italian clubs is 20 wins, 9 draws, and 9 losses in 38 competitive fixtures.
- Arsenal has won their last six competitive home matches against Italian teams, remaining unbeaten in eight such encounters since September 2003.
- Como's away record in Serie A last season was the third best, trailing only Inter and Milan.
- Cesc Fabregas had a distinguished playing career with Arsenal from 2003 to 2011, winning the FA Cup and reaching major finals.
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