Two European heavyweights meet under the lights in Singapore on Wednesday as Arsenal take on AC Milan in their opening pre-season fixture at the National Stadium. The fixture is scheduled to kick-off at 12 PM BST.
While the Gunners continue chasing elusive silverware, Milan are embarking on a fresh chapter with Massimiliano Allegri back at the helm.
Arsenal, despite an impressive run to the Champions League semi-finals last season, finished second in the Premier League for the third year in a row this time behind Liverpool. Injuries and lack of depth derailed their title push, but this summer’s business suggests the board is serious about taking that final step.
New signings Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga are all expected to be involved on Wednesday, but Noni Madueke will miss out due to a post-Club World Cup break. Viktor Gyokeres is also not part of the travelling squad as Arsenal continue finalising terms with Sporting.
AC Milan, meanwhile, are without European football this season, giving Allegri time to rebuild. Luka Modric is not with the squad, but new signing Samuele Ricci is likely to start, while Rafael Leao, Noah Okafor, and Christian Pulisic headline the attack.
Team News
Arsenal:
- Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery.
- Fabio Vieira has been given an extended break after representing Porto at the Club World Cup.
- Noni Madueke is not yet available after completing his move from Chelsea.
- Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga are all in contention.
- Max Dowman, the 15-year-old midfield prodigy, is part of the squad and could feature.
Predicted Arsenal lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Norgaard; Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli
AC Milan:
- Luka Modric is not part of the tour squad due to post-Club World Cup rest.
- Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez have both departed.
- New signing Samuele Ricci is expected to slot into midfield.
- Santiago Gimenez is unavailable, with Noah Okafor likely to lead the line.
Predicted Milan lineup:
Maignan; Jimenez, Gabbia, Thiaw, Bartesaghi; Musah, Ricci, Loftus-Cheek; Pulisic, Okafor, Leao
