Arsenal and Barcelona meet tonight in Los Angeles in a pre-season heavyweight duel.
The Spanish giants enter the friendly after having to cancel their meeting with Juventus last week due to a disease that ravaged their side, making it their first game of the summer.
The Gunners are further along in their preparation for the new season but suffered defeat at the hands of Manchester United last time out.
Still, newcomers Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber had plenty of time to prepare for their United States tour, which kicked off with a 5-0 victory over the MLS All-Stars.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Barcelona will always be a tough test as after this clash there is only one friendly left before Arsenal start their season in the Community Shield. Arsenal vs Barcelona is scheduled to kick off at 3.30am BST in the early hours of Thursday 27 July 2023.
The match will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Arsenal vs Barcelona team news
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mohamed Elneny are the only injury concerns for Arsenal, although both have returned to training after being sidelined last season.
Mikel Arteta has favored strong starting lineups in each of his friendlies thus far and this will be no different, but it will be interesting to see if Eddie Nketiah continues up front.
The news about the Barcelona team will largely depend on who has defeated the virus of his disease. Xavi oversaw a largely full squad for a double workout earlier in the week, bar the injured Inigo Martinez, and there could be exits for new signings Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu.
Arsenal vs Barcelona prediction
The Blaugrana’s virus problems have held back their preparation and the Gunners should be able to capitalize against a team with fewer miles in the tank.
Arsenal win, 3-1.
Head-to-head history and results (h2h).
Arsenal have only beaten Barcelona in one competitive match, in the 2011 Champions League round of 16.
Arsenal win: 1
Draws: 2
Barcelona win: 6
