Arsenal Clash with Villarreal: High-Stakes Friendly Showdown - Team Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Arsenal return to north London for the concluding phase of their 2025–26 pre-season campaign, facing Villarreal at the Emirates this Wednesday night.

The Gunners wrapped up their Far East tour on a disappointing note, suffering a 1–0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the inaugural overseas North London Derby. Earlier, Mikel Arteta's team had secured narrow victories over AC Milan and Newcastle United by scores of 1–0 and 3–2, respectively.

Significant squad changes have occurred within Arteta's setup this summer, and for many home fans, this represents their initial opportunity to see several new additions in action.

Villarreal are gearing up for their Champions League comeback in 2025–26 following a fifth-place La Liga finish last term. Nevertheless, the Yellow Submarine, who boast a strong historical record against Arsenal, have parted ways with two crucial players in Thierno Barry and Alex Baena.

Their pre-season campaign has been marked by stalemates, most recently drawing with Leeds United at Elland Road.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this exhibition match.

What Time Does Arsenal vs. Villarreal Kick-Off?

Arsenal vs. Villarreal Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Arsenal vs. Villarreal on TV

Arsenal Team News

Viktor Gyökeres featured for the first time in Arsenal colors during their 1–0 loss to Tottenham in Hong Kong. The Swedish striker was among five new recruits to make their Gunners debut in Asia.

Noni Madueke was absent from the club's Asian tour, having participated in the Club World Cup with Chelsea. Nevertheless, the England winger should be available to don red and white for the first time on Wednesday.

Gabriel Magalhães joined the squad for the Asian trip but remained unused across all three matches, while Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard have encountered injury complications. Gabriel Jesus continues his recovery from an ACL injury, with the Brazilian not expected to return until later in the year.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Villarreal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Villarreal Team News

Arsenal will encounter some recognizable faces returning to the Emirates on Wednesday, with former club-record acquisition Nicolas Pépé and unmemorable loanee Denis Suárez now representing Villarreal.

The Yellow Submarine have suffered a significant injury setback this summer, with defender Logan Costa sustaining a serious knee problem during a 3–3 stalemate with Basel in mid-July.

The Spanish side are reportedly pursuing former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, though that transfer remains incomplete.

Villarreal Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Villarreal predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-4-2): Júnior; Foyth, Mouriño, Marín, Cardona; Pépé, Gueye, Parejo, Pino; Eyong, Moreno

Arsenal vs. Villarreal Score Prediction

The 1–0 loss to Tottenham exposed some recurring weaknesses in Arteta's system, with the Gunners frustrated by a disciplined and organized defensive structure. The summer acquisitions Arsenal have completed should address such issues, but these new players will require time to adapt.

They'll face a tactically sound 4-4-2 formation on Wednesday, with Marcelino's tactical approach being instrumental in Villarreal's achievements last season. However, they've lost their attacking spark, and a solid Arsenal defense should handle the visitors' offensive threat adequately.

The home side will dominate proceedings against their Spanish opponents and secure a straightforward victory with relative ease.

Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Villarreal