9 August 2026, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund will play one of their final friendlies before the start of the season at the Emirates. Arteta's team have taken longer to get up to match speed than Kovac's side. The Londoners have played both of their friendlies only in August, and their results raise questions.
Arsenal
In their first exhibition match, Arsenal comfortably beat Girona (4:1), leaving no chance for the Spaniards, who were relegated from La Liga last season. Dowman starred for Arteta's side, with the young winger registering a goal and an assist. Tzolis impressed most against Betis (1:3), registering a goal and an assist in two matches, but the Gunners were put under pressure by the Seville side, who scored three times before the break. It seems Arsenal, in their current condition, cannot cope with intense pressing.
Borussia Dortmund
After two European training-camp friendlies against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen (3:1) and Fortuna (1:2), Borussia Dortmund travelled to Japan. There, Dortmund lost to Cerezo Osaka (0:1) before beating Tokyo (1:0) thanks to Silva's only goal. Key signing Karetsas has yet to make his debut for the Black and Yellows in the friendlies — the Genk academy product will replace Brandt in midfield. Kovac has noticeably more options in his squad than Arteta because Borussia have all of their internationals who took part in the 2026 World Cup available.
Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction
In the first half of the 2010s, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund met six times in the Champions League group stage — the Londoners won three times, while Dortmund claimed two victories. At the Emirates, Arteta's side may not settle into the game from the opening minutes — the difference in fitness levels is considerable. We will back the German runners-up with a handicap.
