The pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 campaign reach a crucial stage as Arsenal welcome Villarreal to the Emirates Stadium for a high-profile friendly. This match marks Arsenal’s first home game of the summer, giving the London faithful a chance to see Mikel Arteta’s new-look squad in action. For Villarreal, the encounter serves as a final European-based test before they return to Spain to begin their La Liga season.
This match is not just a friendly; it’s a fixture with a rich history of European battles, including memorable clashes in the Champions League and Europa League. The rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity, even in a pre-season context, as both teams will be keen to secure a psychological advantage ahead of their respective domestic campaigns. With both sides having made key signings and adjustments during the off-season, this match will be an excellent indicator of their readiness for the new season.
Match Details
- Competition: Club Friendlies
- Location: London, England
- Stadium: Emirates Stadium
- Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM BST
- Indian Time (IST): 10:30 PM IST (Wednesday, August 6, 2025)
- Referee: N/A
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The historical head-to-head record between Arsenal and Villarreal is a balanced affair. The teams have faced each other six times in competitive matches, with Arsenal holding a slight edge with two wins to Villarreal’s one, and three draws. Their last meeting in the 2021 Europa League semi-final saw Villarreal emerge victorious, adding a revenge narrative for the Gunners in this friendly.
Arsenal:
Arsenal’s pre-season has been a mix of results. They secured victories over AC Milan and Newcastle United during their tour of Asia but suffered a disappointing defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur. This match at the Emirates will be the first opportunity for many home fans to see the new signings, including striker Viktor Gyökeres, who will be under pressure to make a positive impact. Key players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will also be expected to lead the team as they prepare for a season with high expectations.
- July 31, 2025: Arsenal 0–1 Tottenham Hotspur (Club Friendly)
- July 27, 2025: Arsenal 3–2 Newcastle United (Club Friendly)
- July 23, 2025: Arsenal 1–0 AC Milan (Club Friendly)
- May 25, 2025: Southampton 1–2 Arsenal (Premier League)
Villarreal:
Villarreal, under manager Marcelino, has had a challenging pre-season so far, with a winless streak that includes three draws and a loss. However, they have shown resilience in their recent games, including a 1-1 draw with Leeds United. The team has seen some key personnel changes, with the departure of players like Alex Baena and Thierno Barry. This match will be a crucial test for new signings and will help the team find its best balance before the La Liga season begins. Key players to watch for Villarreal include their star striker Gerard Moreno and former Arsenal player Nicolas Pépé, who will be keen to make a statement at his old stomping ground.
- August 2, 2025: Leeds United 1–1 Villarreal (Club Friendly)
- July 25, 2025: Sporting CP 1–0 Villarreal (Club Friendly)
- July 22, 2025: St. Gallen 2–2 Villarreal (Club Friendly)
- July 19, 2025: Basel 3–3 Villarreal (Club Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
As a friendly match, both managers are expected to make a number of substitutions to test their squads and tactical systems. Arsenal will likely look to dominate possession and use their attacking prowess to create chances, especially through the likes of Saka and new signing Gyökeres. Villarreal, on the other hand, will likely employ a more counter-attacking approach, with their solid defense and pacy forwards posing a threat. The match will provide an important platform for new signings to integrate into the team and for the managers to fine-tune their tactics. The key matchup will be between Arsenal’s attack and Villarreal’s defense, and the performance of both teams’ new players will be a major point of interest.
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Villarreal on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Arsenal.com, Arsenal App (Pre-season pass) |
| Spain | GOL |
| United States | Arsenal.com, Arsenal App (Pre-season pass) |
| India | Arsenal.com, Arsenal App (Pre-season pass) |
In the United Kingdom and many other regions, the match will be broadcast live on Arsenal’s official website and app, available through a pre-season pass. In Spain, the match will be broadcast live on GOL. Viewers should check local listings for additional broadcasting information.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
