Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are set to clash with AC Milan in Singapore on Wednesday, marking the start of their Asian tour as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Gunners enter this match with high expectations and a roster featuring several new signings, enhancing their prospects of securing silverware.
Arsenal has already welcomed players such as Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard this summer. Rumors suggest that Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera could soon join the squad as well, signaling an active transfer campaign under new sporting director Andrea Berta. After finishing in second place in the Premier League for three consecutive years and bowing out in the Champions League semifinals to the eventual champions, PSG, Arteta is under pressure to deliver results. Upcoming friendlies against AC Milan, Newcastle, and Spurs will be critical as Arsenal aims to take significant strides this season.
On the other hand, AC Milan is looking to rebound from a disappointing eighth-place finish in Serie A last season, which left them without European competition after a late-season resurgence could not salvage their campaign. The team has bolstered its squad with standout Christian Pulisic, who is eager to make an impact after opting out of the Gold Cup this summer. With Massimiliano Allegri now at the helm and veteran Luka Modric joining the midfield, Milan is aiming to quickly improve their performance and regain their Champions League spot.
Arsenal’s lineup for this match will likely include debuts for Norgaard, Kepa, and Zubimendi, while Madueke is still in recovery after participating in Chelsea’s Club World Cup. Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined due to an ACL injury, but Kai Havertz is expected to lead the attack. The midfield partnership between Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard will be particularly interesting to watch.
For AC Milan, Christian Pulisic continues to be a key figure, supported by Rafael Leao. Modric’s addition is anticipated to provide vital control in the midfield, with Allegri’s coaching expected to solidify the defense and enhance their counter-attacking capabilities.
As for predictions, while preseason matches can be unpredictable, Arsenal is favored to come out on top with a potential score of 4-2 against AC Milan, showcasing the firepower of both teams.
This match represents a valuable opportunity for both teams to gauge their strengths and weaknesses early in the season, potentially laying the groundwork for impressive futures ahead.