Arsenal
Borussia DortmundBy Kelechi Balogun — Football expert specializing in European and American leagues
Before the official season kicks off, Arsenal will once again host the Emirates Cup, a traditional preseason fixture against an invited guest. The Gunners have won the trophy four years in a row, but this time they arrive not only as the reigning champions of the tournament but also as the Premier League titleholders. The question on everyone’s mind: can Borussia Dortmund break that streak?
The "Gunners" are preparing for the new season in an unfamiliar role—as both Premier League champions and Champions League finalists. Their first test after the break came in a closed-door friendly against MK Dons, which they won 3-0 while experimenting with different lineups. In subsequent friendlies against Girona (4-1) and Real Betis (1-3), Mikel Arteta fielded his strongest possible starting XI from the outset. Notably, all goals conceded in the Betis match came before the half-time substitutions.
One standout performer has been new signing Christos Tzolis, who has registered a goal and two assists across the three matches. Beyond the Greek winger and the permanent signing of Piero Hincapié, Arsenal have not made any major splash in the transfer market, despite persistent rumors linking them with Vinicius Junior. The key takeaway is that the core of the squad has been preserved.
However, several players who featured in the latter stages of the World Cup—including David Raya, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke—will only return to full training early next week. Additionally, key defenders William Saliba and Jurriën Timber are sidelined with injuries. With the squad far from full strength, motivated backups and young talents are getting their chance. For instance, 16-year-old Max Dowman contributed a goal and an assist in the Girona match.
Dortmund’s preseason has followed a pragmatic approach. Before traveling to London, they completed two stages of preparation. First, they played two friendlies in Germany against lower-league local sides—a 3-1 win over Rot-Weiss and a 1-2 loss to the more prominent Fortuna Düsseldorf. The primary objective in those matches was to evaluate young players rather than re-establish old connections.
For their training camp in Japan, Dortmund took a more competitive squad. However, only in the match against FC Tokyo (a 1-0 win) did some returning internationals feature. In the subsequent game against Cerezo Osaka (a 1-0 loss), the defense deserves credit for keeping the xGA (expected goals against) under 1.0. Yet, Dortmund still lost the xG battle overall (1.22 to 1.55).
The World Cup took a heavier toll on Dortmund than on Arsenal, largely because their squad depth isn’t as strong. Furthermore, the club saw the departures of Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi during this transfer window—both inconsistent but still important attacking pieces. Gregor Kobel and Julian Ryerson have recently returned to training, but it’s unlikely they’ll be thrown straight into action. Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck remain injured, leaving a significant hole in central defense.
Interestingly, Dortmund’s most notable summer signing so far is also a Greek player from the Belgian league—Konstantinos Karetsas. The attacking midfielder completed a full friendly for Genk over the summer and is now training fully with his new teammates, making his debut in this match a real possibility.
Arsenal (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga – White, Mosquera, Hincapié, Calafiori – Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Havertz – Dowman, Gyökeres, Tzolis Unavailable: Saliba, Timber (both injured); Raya, Rice, Merino, Zubimendi, Eze, Saka, Madueke (all resting) Manager: Mikel Arteta
Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Meyer – Redjani, Anton, Ritter – Svensson, Job, Nmecha, Beyer – Inacio, Lerma – Silva Unavailable: Schlotterbeck, Can (both injured); Kobel, Ryerson, Mane, Chukwuemeka, Duarte (all doubtful) Manager: Niko Kovač
Despite the friendly nature of the match, Arsenal take the Emirates Cup very seriously. They have won the last four editions against opponents like Sevilla, Monaco, Lyon, and Athletic Bilbao, with a combined score of 12-1. The only exception was three years ago against Monaco, which went to penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Playing at home is a significant advantage for the Gunners. While both teams are affected by post-World Cup absences, Arteta has stronger combinations at his disposal. Dortmund are simply not in a state to compete on equal terms with the Premier League champions right now. Even against mid-tier J.League opposition, they failed to impress. Back Arsenal to win at 1.65.
Goalscorer bet: There are serious doubts that Kovač’s side can find the net. First, Arsenal’s history in the Emirates Cup suggests defensive solidity. Second, Dortmund managed less than 1.0 xG against both FC Tokyo and Cerezo Osaka. Arsenal did concede against Girona and Betis, but those matches were away or on neutral ground. Last season, Arsenal were the most reliable defensive team at home, keeping 20 clean sheets in 31 matches across all competitions. Bet on both teams to score – No at 2.15.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Arsenal4-3-3
Borussia Dortmund3-4-2-1Arsenal’s final pre-season friendly is their last full rehearsal before the campaign kicks off, so Mikel Arteta will field his strongest available lineup. With the home crowd behind them and a quick, mobile attack featuring Nwaneri, Gyökeres, Zolis, Martinelli, and Havertz, the Gunners should carve out plenty of chances against a Borussia Dortmund side that’s missing several key players. That’s why I’m backing over 3.5 goals here at 2.31.
The statistical picture points to a Borussia Dortmund victory. I'm backing the away win at 5.20.
Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund meet in a Club Friendly, and I’m backing goals in the opening 45 minutes. The first half over 1.5 total is priced at 2.27, and I expect both sides to push early, even in a preseason setting. With attacking talent on display, a quick start feels likely.
Arsenal should take control of this friendly from the start. I see them scoring at least twice without much trouble.
Arsenal face Borussia Dortmund in this Club Friendly on August 9, 2026. I’m locking in the hosts to win at 1.57 — no doubts here, just a straightforward call.
Arsenal take on Borussia Dortmund in a Club Friendly, and I’m backing the hosts to rack up at least six corners at odds of 1.78. The Gunners are expected to dominate possession and push forward relentlessly, especially with their wide attacking approach under Mikel Arteta. That style naturally forces defenders into conceding corner kicks, and against a Dortmund side that prefers to sit back and hit on the break, Arsenal should spend long spells camped in the final third.
Six corners is a very achievable target for a team that consistently generates high corner counts even in tough matchups. With the home side dictating play and applying sustained pressure, I see this line being covered comfortably, likely well before the final whistle.
This is a friendly, but it’s also a final — no team parks the bus for a trophy. Both sides will go for it, and that makes backing both teams to score the obvious call at 1.60.
Arsenal’s current squad is built to dominate, and they’re going to come out firing. With the firepower they have, there’s no way they settle for anything less than a win here. Borussia Dortmund will struggle to keep up, and the Gunners will put this game to bed early. I’m backing the home side to get the job done at 1.58.
Both sides are loaded with skilled, creative players, so I'm backing plenty of goals here. Over 3.5 at 2.40 is the clear play.
Arsenal take on Borussia Dortmund in a friendly, and I’m backing the Gunners to win by at least two goals. The handicap of -1 on the hosts at 1.92 looks like solid value here. Arsenal are simply the more productive side in attack, and that edge should show on the scoreboard.
This friendly between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund sets up perfectly for a high number of corner kicks. The match is expected to be open and attacking, which typically leads to plenty of set-piece opportunities for both sides.
Backing over 8.5 corners is the clear call here. The flow of the game should generate enough chances from wide areas to clear that mark comfortably.
Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund meet in a friendly, and I’m backing the visitors to avoid defeat here. The odds of 2.47 for a double chance on Dortmund or a draw look solid value.
With squad rotations and preseason intensity often unpredictable, Dortmund’s quality should be enough to keep this competitive. I don’t see Arsenal walking away with the win.
Arsenal take on Borussia Dortmund in a Club Friendly on August 9, and I’m backing the hosts to get the win. Dortmund simply aren’t a reliable side on the road — I can only hope that’s a temporary issue for them, but for now it makes backing the Gunners at 1.54 the clear play.
The Emirates Cup carries extra weight for Arsenal — it's not just another friendly but a chance to lift the mood around the club after losing to Betis. Borussia Dortmund arrive in poor form and with notable absentees in midfield and defence, which makes the home side a clear favourite.
I see a lively, high-scoring encounter with Arsenal dictating the tempo. The hosts should win comfortably, though Dortmund are likely to score once — especially given the defensive problems of the English champions. That's why I'm backing the home win at 1.59.
Let’s just call a spade a spade — this match between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund screams for a draw at a juicy 4.45. In a friendly setting, where both sides are tinkering with lineups and easing into rhythm, there’s little separating the quality on display. Arsenal might have home advantage, but Dortmund’s setup is just as resilient and sharp in the final third.
We’re looking at an evenly matched contest where neither side has a clear edge. In these conditions, the draw isn’t a backup bet — it’s the primary angle. I’m backing this result with confidence, as the balance of strengths points to a stalemate well before the final whistle. With that kind of payout, it’s a value pick I’m locking in now.
Arsenal may wear the Premier League crown, but goals don't exactly come easy for them. That's why I'm taking Borussia Dortmund to avoid defeat in this friendly — the double chance on the visitors or a draw at 2.40 looks like the smart side here.
Arsenal’s habit of rolling out their first-choice eleven even in friendlies gives me confidence they’ll be sharp in attack. Dortmund, on the other hand, are without several key players, which often leaves them vulnerable but still capable of finding the net. That’s why I’m backing both teams to score at 1.56.
Arsenal's loss to Betis in their last friendly was the first real warning sign of the summer, and the Premier League champions have no intention of ending their pre-season on a sour note. They face Borussia Dortmund at home, where Mikel Arteta should finally field a lineup close to his strongest. Dortmund have managed only two wins in four summer matches and scored just five goals across the entire tour, so Arsenal look like the clear favorites here. A bet on the hosts to win feels like the right call.
Both sides are set to deliver an entertaining, high-scoring game. Arsenal have seen both teams score in each of their last four matches, with a total of 14 goals across that stretch—an average of 3.50 per game. That's impressive for a team that played defensively in the spring, and their defensive issues persist, as they've conceded in four straight outings. Dortmund should find the net too, making this a lively affair.
This is a pre-season friendly, and both sides are fielding weakened lineups without their key starters. That lack of sharpness and chemistry upfront is a clear sign we won’t see a goal-fest. I’m backing the total to stay under three goals.
Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund in a Club Friendly, and I'm backing the Gunners to take the win at odds of 1.57. Given their squad depth and typical pre-season form, I see them controlling this match against a Dortmund side that often rotates heavily in friendlies.
This isn't just a hunch—it's based on the current dynamics of both teams. Arsenal's strength at home and Dortmund's inconsistency in these prep games make a home victory a solid bet. I'm confident this pick hits.
Arsenal take on Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly that reveals more about current trajectories than history. The last time these sides met in the Champions League, Dortmund had Lewandowski and Reus at their peak—Arsenal were perennial fourth-place finishers. That dynamic has flipped. Arsenal’s pre-season has been shaky: a 4-1 win over Girona followed by a 3-1 loss to a heavily rotated Betis side, even with Arsenal’s first-choice defense on the pitch. Saliba is out for months, and the English core plus Ødegaard were missing, but that result still stings.
Dortmund’s form is worse. Four friendlies played, losses to Fortuna Düsseldorf and Cerezo Osaka, then a narrow 1-0 win over another Japanese side. The class gap has narrowed. Arsenal need to correct their Betis performance, and Dortmund look a step below. I see Arsenal at least avoiding defeat here.
The statistical picture points to a Borussia Dortmund victory. I'm backing the away win at 5.20.
Arsenal face Borussia Dortmund in this Club Friendly on August 9, 2026. I’m locking in the hosts to win at 1.57 — no doubts here, just a straightforward call.
Arsenal’s current squad is built to dominate, and they’re going to come out firing. With the firepower they have, there’s no way they settle for anything less than a win here. Borussia Dortmund will struggle to keep up, and the Gunners will put this game to bed early. I’m backing the home side to get the job done at 1.58.
Arsenal take on Borussia Dortmund in a Club Friendly on August 9, and I’m backing the hosts to get the win. Dortmund simply aren’t a reliable side on the road — I can only hope that’s a temporary issue for them, but for now it makes backing the Gunners at 1.54 the clear play.
The Emirates Cup carries extra weight for Arsenal — it's not just another friendly but a chance to lift the mood around the club after losing to Betis. Borussia Dortmund arrive in poor form and with notable absentees in midfield and defence, which makes the home side a clear favourite.
I see a lively, high-scoring encounter with Arsenal dictating the tempo. The hosts should win comfortably, though Dortmund are likely to score once — especially given the defensive problems of the English champions. That's why I'm backing the home win at 1.59.
Let’s just call a spade a spade — this match between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund screams for a draw at a juicy 4.45. In a friendly setting, where both sides are tinkering with lineups and easing into rhythm, there’s little separating the quality on display. Arsenal might have home advantage, but Dortmund’s setup is just as resilient and sharp in the final third.
We’re looking at an evenly matched contest where neither side has a clear edge. In these conditions, the draw isn’t a backup bet — it’s the primary angle. I’m backing this result with confidence, as the balance of strengths points to a stalemate well before the final whistle. With that kind of payout, it’s a value pick I’m locking in now.
Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund in a Club Friendly, and I'm backing the Gunners to take the win at odds of 1.57. Given their squad depth and typical pre-season form, I see them controlling this match against a Dortmund side that often rotates heavily in friendlies.
This isn't just a hunch—it's based on the current dynamics of both teams. Arsenal's strength at home and Dortmund's inconsistency in these prep games make a home victory a solid bet. I'm confident this pick hits.
Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund meet in a friendly, and I’m backing the visitors to avoid defeat here. The odds of 2.47 for a double chance on Dortmund or a draw look solid value.
With squad rotations and preseason intensity often unpredictable, Dortmund’s quality should be enough to keep this competitive. I don’t see Arsenal walking away with the win.
Arsenal may wear the Premier League crown, but goals don't exactly come easy for them. That's why I'm taking Borussia Dortmund to avoid defeat in this friendly — the double chance on the visitors or a draw at 2.40 looks like the smart side here.
Arsenal take on Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly that reveals more about current trajectories than history. The last time these sides met in the Champions League, Dortmund had Lewandowski and Reus at their peak—Arsenal were perennial fourth-place finishers. That dynamic has flipped. Arsenal’s pre-season has been shaky: a 4-1 win over Girona followed by a 3-1 loss to a heavily rotated Betis side, even with Arsenal’s first-choice defense on the pitch. Saliba is out for months, and the English core plus Ødegaard were missing, but that result still stings.
Dortmund’s form is worse. Four friendlies played, losses to Fortuna Düsseldorf and Cerezo Osaka, then a narrow 1-0 win over another Japanese side. The class gap has narrowed. Arsenal need to correct their Betis performance, and Dortmund look a step below. I see Arsenal at least avoiding defeat here.
Arsenal’s final pre-season friendly is their last full rehearsal before the campaign kicks off, so Mikel Arteta will field his strongest available lineup. With the home crowd behind them and a quick, mobile attack featuring Nwaneri, Gyökeres, Zolis, Martinelli, and Havertz, the Gunners should carve out plenty of chances against a Borussia Dortmund side that’s missing several key players. That’s why I’m backing over 3.5 goals here at 2.31.
Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund meet in a Club Friendly, and I’m backing goals in the opening 45 minutes. The first half over 1.5 total is priced at 2.27, and I expect both sides to push early, even in a preseason setting. With attacking talent on display, a quick start feels likely.
Arsenal should take control of this friendly from the start. I see them scoring at least twice without much trouble.
Arsenal take on Borussia Dortmund in a Club Friendly, and I’m backing the hosts to rack up at least six corners at odds of 1.78. The Gunners are expected to dominate possession and push forward relentlessly, especially with their wide attacking approach under Mikel Arteta. That style naturally forces defenders into conceding corner kicks, and against a Dortmund side that prefers to sit back and hit on the break, Arsenal should spend long spells camped in the final third.
Six corners is a very achievable target for a team that consistently generates high corner counts even in tough matchups. With the home side dictating play and applying sustained pressure, I see this line being covered comfortably, likely well before the final whistle.
Both sides are loaded with skilled, creative players, so I'm backing plenty of goals here. Over 3.5 at 2.40 is the clear play.
This friendly between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund sets up perfectly for a high number of corner kicks. The match is expected to be open and attacking, which typically leads to plenty of set-piece opportunities for both sides.
Backing over 8.5 corners is the clear call here. The flow of the game should generate enough chances from wide areas to clear that mark comfortably.
Arsenal's loss to Betis in their last friendly was the first real warning sign of the summer, and the Premier League champions have no intention of ending their pre-season on a sour note. They face Borussia Dortmund at home, where Mikel Arteta should finally field a lineup close to his strongest. Dortmund have managed only two wins in four summer matches and scored just five goals across the entire tour, so Arsenal look like the clear favorites here. A bet on the hosts to win feels like the right call.
Both sides are set to deliver an entertaining, high-scoring game. Arsenal have seen both teams score in each of their last four matches, with a total of 14 goals across that stretch—an average of 3.50 per game. That's impressive for a team that played defensively in the spring, and their defensive issues persist, as they've conceded in four straight outings. Dortmund should find the net too, making this a lively affair.
This is a pre-season friendly, and both sides are fielding weakened lineups without their key starters. That lack of sharpness and chemistry upfront is a clear sign we won’t see a goal-fest. I’m backing the total to stay under three goals.
Arsenal take on Borussia Dortmund in a friendly, and I’m backing the Gunners to win by at least two goals. The handicap of -1 on the hosts at 1.92 looks like solid value here. Arsenal are simply the more productive side in attack, and that edge should show on the scoreboard.
This is a friendly, but it’s also a final — no team parks the bus for a trophy. Both sides will go for it, and that makes backing both teams to score the obvious call at 1.60.
Arsenal’s habit of rolling out their first-choice eleven even in friendlies gives me confidence they’ll be sharp in attack. Dortmund, on the other hand, are without several key players, which often leaves them vulnerable but still capable of finding the net. That’s why I’m backing both teams to score at 1.56.
The match takes place on August 9, 2026, at 14:00 local time at the Emirates Stadium in London.
The editorial recommends backing Arsenal to win at 1.65, and also suggests betting on 'Both Teams to Score – No' at 2.15 due to Arsenal's strong home defence and Dortmund's low xG in preseason.
For Arsenal, William Saliba and Jurriën Timber are injured, while David Raya, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and others are resting. For Dortmund, Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck are injured, and Gregor Kobel, Julian Ryerson, and others are doubtful.
Arsenal won 3-0 against MK Dons, 4-1 against Girona, and lost 1-3 to Real Betis, with all goals conceded in the Betis match coming before half-time substitutions.
Arsenal have won the last four Emirates Cup editions with a combined score of 12-1 and are Premier League champions. Despite absences, Arteta has stronger combinations than Dortmund, who struggled against mid-tier Japanese teams.
Yes, Arsenal's new signing Christos Tzolis has a goal and two assists in preseason, and Dortmund's new signing Konstantinos Karetsas may make his debut after training fully with his new teammates.