Arsenal vs AS Monaco Emirates Cup preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

Arsenal have returned home from their pre-season tour, and preparations are underway for the final phase of the summer before the 2023/24 Premier League season starts.

The Gunners’ time in the States ended on a high as they beat Barcelona 5-3 in LA, but it hasn’t been plain sailing for Mikel Arteta this summer. New arrivals and increased squad depth mean the boss hasn’t quite yet discovered his best starting XI, but greater clarity will undoubtedly be found over the next two weeks.

Arsenal’s upcoming challenge arrives on home soil against AS Monaco in the Emirates Cup. The Gunners have enjoyed themselves in this competition over the years; thumping Sevilla 6-0 in 2022.

Monaco are now led by former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Adi Hutter and, like Arsenal, they’ve had a busy summer so far. The Ligue 1 side are bound to be an interesting watch under Hutter, but a period of adjustment to the Austrian’s demands is needed.

Arsenal vs AS Monaco Emirates Cup preview: Prediction, team news & lineups

Here’s our preview of the upcoming Emirates Cup clash between the Gunners and AS Monaco.

How to watch Arsenal vs AS Monaco

When is kick-off? Wednesday 2 August

What time is kick-off? 18:00 (BST)

Where is it played? Emirates Stadium

TV channel/live stream? arsenal.com

Referee? TBC

Arsenal team news

Arteta will likely be without record-signing Declan Rice after he missed the Barcelona win through injury, while Folarin Balogun and Reiss Nelson are both doubts.

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s absence could prolong into the new season, with Mohamed Elneny also missing on Wednesday.

Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber could retain their places in Arteta’s XI on Wednesday, as should Leandro Trossard – the star of Arsenal’s summer so far.

AS Monaco team news

Adi Hutter will not be able to call upon the services of defender Axel Disasi, who is primed for a move to Chelsea.

Breel Embolo is also set to miss out due to injury, but Wissam Ben Yedder should lead the visitors’ line.

Arsenal vs AS Monaco predicted lineups

Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Havertz, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Trossard.

AS Monaco: Kohn; Matsima, Maripan, Okou; Vanderson, Camara, Fofana, Henrique; Golovin, Volland; Ben Yedder.

Arsenal’s recent form

Arsenal 5-3 Barcelona (26/07) – Friendly

Man Utd 2-0 Arsenal (22/07) – Friendly

MLS All-Stars 0-5 Arsenal (20/07) – Friendly

FC Nurnberg 1-1 Arsenal (13/07) – Friendly

AS Monaco’s recent form

Genoa 1-0 AS Monaco (29/07) – Friendly

Bologna 2-3 AS Monaco (28/07) – Friendly

Leeds 0-2 AS Monaco (22/07) – Friendly

Real Betis 1-4 AS Monaco (19/07) – Friendly

Cercle Brugge 3-0 AS Monaco (15/07) – Friendly

Prediction

Hutter’s Monaco are an intriguing test for Arteta’s side. He’ll deploy a back three at his new club and will want his side to build up swiftly and win the ball back high up the pitch. Thus, Arsenal’s build-up and transition defence will be put to the test on Wednesday.

The early signs have been positive for Hutter, but the Gunners are a different kettle of fish compared to their previous opponents. While the hosts haven’t been perfect this summer, they were excellent against Barcelona and they’ll be expected to win in front of their home fans in the Emirates Cup.

Prediction: Arsenal 4-1 AS Monaco