The Arsenal vs New York Red Bulls friendly match will take place this Saturday, July 26 at 5:00 PM Eastern time at the Red Bull Arena. After the 2-0 victory over Boreham Wood (and a bit of practice with their New York accents), Arsenal will be coming to the United States to continue their preseason preparations.
Arsenal’s Squad
Since many players from the starting XI are enjoying the last few days of their holidays, Arsene Wenger will mainly depend on players from the bench and lower ranks. According to the New York Red Bulls website, Wenger released a 20-man list of players that will be traveling to the U.S. The list is as follows:
- Keepers– Martinez and Szczesny
- Defenders– Bellerin, Gibbs, Hayden, Jenkinson, Miquel, and Monreal
- Midfielders– Arteta, Cazorla, Coquelin, Diaby, Flamini, Olsson, Ramsey, Rosicky, Toral, Wilshere, and Zelalem
- Forwards– Akpom
Based on this list, we can assume Wenger wants to take time and look at the plethora of young talent the Arsenal reserves has to offer, while he gives time to a few starting players. This is a good moment for Kieran Gibbs and Abou Diaby to get minutes in order to regain playing form. After long injuries– more so Diaby than Gibbs– these tranquil exhibitions matches can aid in physical and mental recovery.
Even though Arsenal will have only one match in the United States, the exhibition helps in pleasing the ever-growing U.S. popularity for the Gooners. Hopefully, next time around, the English club will take a longer tour in the States.
Red Bulls’ Preparations
This may not be a match for any sort of silverware or points on the table, but I can assure you that the MLS club has been making preparations for the London club’s arrival.
Players from the New York Red Bulls took time in-between training to practice their English accent and phrases. Just as Arsenal’s players a few days ago, the Red Bulls posted a video on their website; a bit of warning– it might be the worst possible attempt of any type of accents I have seen. It makes Jenkinson’s New York accent trial all the more grand.
One player many Gooner fans will be looking forward to is Thierry Henry, forever an Arsenal Legend. Unfortunately, the MLS is in season; therefore, we can expect Henry and some of the Red Bull’s starting XI players to have very little minutes so not to risk injury or fatigue.
Arsenal vs New York Red Bulls Prediction
Both club managers are not willing to risk their star players for too long (especially Wenger and his luck with injured players). So this match will be played primarily by the reserves. In the end, I think Arsenal’s academy players will fair better than Red Bulls’ reserve players. The London club will leave New York city with a 3-1 victory. Arsenal’s reserves want a chance to play in the first team, while the American team must play safe due to being mid-season in the MLS. It is likely there will be more effort from Arsenal than the Red Bulls to score goals.
Arsenal vs New York Red Bulls Television
The Arsenal vs New York RB match will be televised on ESPN 2 at 5:00 PM Eastern on Saturday.
