Arsenal continue their preparations for the 2026-27 campaign with an intriguing pre-season test against Girona at Estadio Montilivi.Although only a friendly, this fixture brings together two clubs that met in the UEFA Champions League not long ago, with the Gunners edging a thrilling encounter 2-1. Mikel Arteta will once again use the match to build fitness and assess several returning stars and promising youngsters.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsGirona, meanwhile, are looking to rebuild following relegation from La Liga at the end of last season.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872200##New head coach Quique Alvarez is aiming to establish momentum ahead of the Segunda Division campaign, and facing the Premier League champions offers the perfect opportunity to measure his team's progress.With both sides boasting dangerous attacking players, another entertaining contest could be on the cards.Kick-off: 9:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Saturday 01 AugustVenue: Estadio Montilivi, Girona, SpainGroup: Pre-season Club FriendlyGirona – Preparing for the 2026-27 Segunda Division season | Arsenal – Preparing for the 2026-27 Premier League season as reigning English championsQualification implications: No qualification implications. The match serves as part of both clubs' pre-season preparations.Form GuideGirona➖ Draw vs Castellon (3-3)❌ Loss vs Alaves (0-1)✅ Win vs UE Olot (1-3)➖ Draw vs Elche (1-1)❌ Loss vs Atletico Madrid (1-0)Arsenal➖ Draw vs PSG (1-1)✅ Win vs Crystal Palace (1-2)✅ Win vs Burnley (1-0)✅ Win vs West Ham United (0-1)✅ Win vs Atletico Madrid (1-0)Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)Girona 1-2 Arsenal (2025 UEFA Champions League)##NAJAVA_MECA_9873988##Team NewsGirona❌ Azzedine Ounahi – On extended post-World Cup break.🟢 Donny van de Beek – Returned from long-term Achilles injury and building fitness.Arsenal❌ William Saliba – Back injury.❌ Jurrien Timber – Groin injury rehabilitation.🟡 Ben White – Recovering from knee injury.🟡 David Raya – Post-World Cup break.🟡 Gabriel Magalhaes – Recently returned after World Cup.🟢 Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Piero Hincapie available after linking up with the squad.Player to Watch: Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)Ethan Nwaneri continues to show why he is regarded as one of Arsenal's brightest young talents. The teenager scored in Arsenal's opening pre-season victory and also found the net when these sides met in the Champions League in 2025.Arsenal’s legend critical of the transfer dealingsHis intelligent movement between the lines, quick feet and eye for goal make him a constant threat. Against a Girona side still searching for defensive consistency, Nwaneri has another excellent opportunity to impress.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Both Teams to Score – Yes🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Arsenal to Win🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Arsenal to Win 4-1Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.