Arsenal vs Real Betis: Pre-season Friendly Preview, Team Updates, and Lineups
Arsenal aims to keep their flawless pre-season run alive when they face Real Betis on Wednesday at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. The Gunners started strong with a 4-1 win over Girona, while Real Betis enters this match having played six pre-season games, winning four of their first five.
Arsenal's Form So Far
Mikel Arteta’s side has impressed early in the summer preparations. They opened with a 3-0 behind-closed-doors victory against MK Dons, followed by a convincing 4-1 triumph over Girona. New signing Christos Tzolis scored his first goal, and 16-year-old Max Dowman grabbed attention with a goal and assist. Experienced forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also contributed to the scoring.
This friendly marks Arsenal's third game at the Aviva Stadium, after past matches against Chelsea (2018) and Dundalk (2020).
Real Betis' Pre-season Journey
Managed by Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis have only lost once during their pre-season, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Granada. They have defeated Lotte, Recreativo de Huelva, Lyon, and Almeria recently. A late goal from Ivan Corralejo secured the win against Almeria.
Finishing fifth in La Liga last season earned Betis a spot in the Champions League for only the second time ever. Their remaining pre-season matches include fixtures against Premier League teams Bournemouth and Arsenal, plus Inter Milan, before starting their league campaign against Real Sociedad on August 21.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first meeting between Arsenal and Real Betis. A potential Champions League group stage encounter could be possible after the draw on August 27.
- Arsenal recent friendlies: Win, Win
- Real Betis recent friendlies: Win, Win, Loss, Win, Win
Team News
Arsenal's returning World Cup players Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Piero Hincapie were limited to brief appearances against Girona as part of pre-planned substitutions. Arteta does not expect to field any World Cup participants against Betis. Jurrien Timber missed the Girona match due to groin rehab in London. Ben White returned from a knee injury and played 61 minutes without issues. Young Marli Salmon might fill in if White isn’t risked.
For Real Betis, defender Diego Llorente left the Almeria match late due to muscle tiredness but is not thought to be seriously injured. They are missing World Cup finalist Giovani Lo Celso along with Aitor Ruibal, Diego Conde, and Abde Ezzalzouli due to injuries. Former Real Madrid player Isco featured against Almeria and may start here. Ex-Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin, who had two goals and three assists last season for Betis, could reunite with his former club.
Probable 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's young and energetic attack has looked sharp throughout the summer, but Real Betis will offer a tougher challenge than previous opponents. Fatigue could affect Betis in their sixth pre-season match. We expect Arsenal to maintain their perfect start with a 3-1 victory.
