Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund Preview: Pre-Season Friendly at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal is set to host Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2026. This match offers both teams a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming season. Arsenal, fresh from their appearance in the 2026 Champions League final, aims to build momentum, while Borussia Dortmund seeks to integrate new signings and assess their tactical setups.

Match Overview

The friendly between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund is scheduled for August 9, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium in London. This fixture serves as a crucial preparatory match for both clubs as they gear up for their respective domestic and European campaigns. For Arsenal, it's an opportunity to rebound from their recent Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and to integrate new players into their system. Borussia Dortmund will use this match to evaluate their squad depth and tactical approaches ahead of the Bundesliga season.

Arsenal Form & Recent Results

Arsenal concluded the 2025-2026 Premier League season on a high note, securing five consecutive victories:

• April 25, 2026: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle United
• May 2, 2026: Arsenal 3-0 Fulham
• May 10, 2026: West Ham United 0-1 Arsenal
• May 18, 2026: Arsenal 1-0 Burnley
• May 24, 2026: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal

These results highlight Arsenal's defensive solidity, conceding only one goal in five matches, and their ability to secure narrow victories. However, their season ended with a 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30, 2026.

Borussia Dortmund Form & Recent Results

Borussia Dortmund's recent form includes a mix of domestic and international fixtures. While specific match results are not detailed in the available sources, the team has been active in pre-season friendlies and domestic competitions. Their performance in these matches will be crucial in assessing their readiness for the upcoming season.

Head-to-Head

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have faced each other eight times in UEFA Champions League history:

Overall, Arsenal has won four matches, Borussia Dortmund three, and one match ended in a draw. 

Team News & Possible Lineups

Arsenal

As of the latest reports, Arsenal has a relatively healthy squad. Defender Ben White is recovering from a knee injury sustained on May 14, 2026, with an expected return by July 20, 2026. Jurriën Timber is dealing with a groin injury since June 1, 2026, with no specified return date.

Expected lineup: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Trossard; Havertz. 

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund faces several injury concerns:

• Nico Schlotterbeck: Ankle injury, expected return mid-September 2026.
• Emre Can: Cruciate ligament injury, expected return mid-November 2026.
• Julian Ryerson: Thigh injury, status as of June 2026.
• Ramy Bensebaini: Physical discomfort, status as of June 2026.

Expected lineup: Details on Borussia Dortmund's expected lineup are currently unavailable.

Prediction

Betiball does not accept bets. All examples and predictions are for educational purposes only.

Pre-season friendlies are inherently unpredictable due to squad rotations and experimental tactics. Arsenal's recent form and home advantage may give them a slight edge. However, Borussia Dortmund's attacking prowess cannot be underestimated.

Considering both teams' current situations, a closely contested match is anticipated. Arsenal's defensive stability and Borussia Dortmund's injury concerns might tilt the balance in favor of the home side.

Betiball's read: Arsenal to edge this 2-1

For more insights and predictions on upcoming fixtures, check today's football predictions.