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Arsenal will play their first home match of the summer against Villarreal this evening as their pre-season preparations continue. It follows on from their tour of Asia ahead of the new campaign. Mikel Arteta's side played three matches during their trip to Singapore and Hong Kong. The Gunners beat AC Milan and Newcastle in their opening two fixtures but were narrowly beaten by Tottenham in their final match last Thursday in the first ever north London derby played overseas. Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao are both scheduled to visit the Emirates Stadium this week in their final two friendlies. Arsenal will then begin the new Premier League campaign away to Manchester United on Sunday, August 17. The Gunners host Villarreal at the Emirates on Wednesday, August 6 and the friendly will kick-off at 6pm. Fans are able to watch the match live via Arsenal's official club website and app. Streams can be purchased for as little as £4. 99 prior to 9am on the day of the match. Wednesday, July 23 - Beat AC Milan 1-0 Sunday, July 27 - Beat Newcastle United 3-2 Thursday, July 31 - Lost to Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Wednesday, August 6 - Villarreal, Emirates Stadium Saturday, August 9 - Athletic Bilbao, Emirates Stadium Arteta is set to be handed a fitness boost ahead of the visit of Villarreal. Defensive trip Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori are all available after recovering from injuries. However, Leandro Trossard and Kepa Arrizabalaga are both being assessed following the loss to Spurs. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined after tearing his ACL in January, with a return not expected until November. Summer signings Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa could all make their home debuts in the clash. Meanwhile, a pair of ex-Arsenal stars could feature for the visitors. Former club record signing Nicolas Pepe and one-time loanee Denis Suarez are both part of the Villarreal squad. Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is also set to join Villarreal and could feature if his move is confirmed in time. Speaking after the final match of their Asian tour, Arteta assessed his side's performance and looked ahead to the two home friendlies. The Spaniard told reporters: "I'm very positive, everything that I've seen in the last 10 days gives me a lot of encouragement and we're ahead of what I was expecting in many areas. "Even though tonight's result gives you a taste, I think that is going to be very positive as well. "To realise the margins that winning or not winning have to be controlled as well and again, we go again. "We'll start on Monday again with two great games at the Emirates to finalise the preparation and be ready for Old Trafford. " © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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