Arsenal vs Como: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

Arsenal’s final dress rehearsal before the competitive season kicks off is a friendly against Como – a club from the shores of Lake Como that harbours serious ambitions after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. The encounter carries extra spice because the visitors’ manager is Cesc Fàbregas, the former Arsenal midfielder who made 303 appearances for the Gunners and now returns to the Emirates as the head coach of the opposition.

Tactical Analysis: Arsenal

Arsenal have been chasing Premier League glory for some time, but they show no intention of resting on their laurels. With most of their main rivals undergoing significant squad overhauls, the Gunners – thanks to their continuity and stability – look like the strongest contenders for the title this season. However, their pre‑season friendlies have not all gone smoothly. They had no trouble against MK Dons (3‑0) of League One or Girona (4‑1), who were relegated to the Segunda División, but they suffered defeats in meetings with Champions League participants: 1‑3 against Betis and 2‑3 against Borussia Dortmund.

Mikel Arteta is known for his pragmatic approach, but in non‑competitive matches his players usually adopt a far more relaxed, attacking style. So it is no surprise that low‑scoring games have been absent from their summer schedule. Moreover, many squad members who featured at the World Cup – Raya, Rice, Merino, Eze, Saka, and Subimendi – have only recently returned to the group and did not take part in earlier friendlies. Two key defensive players, Timber and Saliba, are still recovering from injuries.

In previous warm‑ups, Arsenal’s lineup was far from first‑choice, featuring several youngsters and perennial squad players. The new Greek signing from Club Brugge, Christos Tzolis, stood out: he quickly integrated into the team’s combination play and was not afraid to take on defenders. Having contributed a goal or an assist in each of his last three friendlies, he has virtually secured the left‑wing spot. Bruno Guimarães, signed from Newcastle, is also expected to be a major asset in central midfield, and he is likely to make his debut for the club in this match.

Tactical Analysis: Como

Cesc Fàbregas has already made history at Como by becoming the first coach to lead the club into European competition – and straight into the Champions League. The Lombardy side did not win the domestic Coppa Como this year, but they remained unbeaten in regulation time in the group stage against Saudi side Al‑Ula (3‑1) and Villarreal (1‑1, losing on penalties). They also avoided defeat in two full length friendlies this summer, beating Famalicão 3‑2 in the third‑place match and drawing 2‑2 with Paris FC at the start of their training camp.

Como stick to their trademark bold style – a blend of possession football and intense pressing – whether in official games or exhibition matches. Even without Nico Paz, who was resting after the World Cup, the visitors’ attack looked impressive. Young newcomer Mattia Liberali, the 19‑year‑old Milan youth product who will serve as backup for the Argentine star next season, has already scored his first goal for the club, finding the net against Villarreal.

The Italian side also strengthened their defence by signing England international Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea, plus two Brazilians: Yan Couto from Borussia Dortmund and Kaiki from Cruzeiro. So far, only Kaiki has made his debut for the club, and he has been noticed more for his rampaging runs down the left flank than for solid defensive work. The centre‑forward position remains problematic: Álvaro Morata flopped badly at Como and lost the coach’s trust, while relying solely on Duvikas for two demanding fronts is unlikely to be enough.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal (4‑3‑3): Arrizabalaga – White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori – Ødegaard, Lewis‑Skelly, Havertz – Dowman, Gyökeres, Tzolis

Out: Saliba, Timber (both injured)

Head coach: Mikel Arteta

Como (4‑2‑3‑1): Butez – Couto, Kempf, Ramón, Kaiki – Milla, Da Cunha – Diao, Liberali, Baturina – Duvikas

Out: Paz, Chalobah (both doubtful)

Head coach: Cesc Fàbregas

Prediction and Bet

The main prediction: despite losing their last two friendlies, Arsenal are the clear favourites in this contest. Como are not used to facing Europe’s elite clubs, and their most recent such experience ended in a 5‑0 thrashing by Barcelona during last summer’s pre‑season. The Lombardy side have definitely improved since then, but their overly open style combined with defensive frailties does not bode well for them at the Emirates. Furthermore, the hosts should enjoy a fitness advantage: their first official match – the Community Shield against Manchester City – is on Sunday, while Como’s season starts a week later. In these circumstances, we back Arsenal to win with a handicap of -1.5 at odds of 2.02.

Goal‑related prediction: the Italians possess considerable attacking firepower and could well score against the reigning English champions. In the current pre‑season, Como have found the net in all four friendlies, even though two of those lasted only 45 minutes. Arsenal, meanwhile, have conceded in three consecutive matches. A bet on both teams to score at 1.67 makes clear sense.