Arsenal continue their pre-season preparations by welcoming Villarreal to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening, after finishing their tour of Asia. The Gunners beat both AC Milan and Newcastle 1-0 and 3-2 in Singapore, respectively, before losing 1-0 to Tottenham in Hong Kong in what was the first North London derby to be played outside of the UK.
Meanwhile, Villarreal are yet to win in pre-season so far, after drawing 1-1 with another Premier League side in Leeds last time out. Nonetheless, this could prove to be an exciting affair with both teams also competing in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) this season.
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Arsenal vs Villarreal prediction: Gunners to fire on home soil?
Key stats
- Before the defeat to Tottenham last time out, Arsenal had won four games in a row in all competitions.
- Villarreal are winless in four matches, but have managed to draw three of them.
- Each of the last six H2Hs across all competitions have seen three or fewer goals scored in total.
Correct score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Villarreal
Arsenal should be favourites to win this one given their home advantage and superior form in pre-season so far. However, Villarreal should be confident of at least getting on the scoresheet having done so in five of their previous six matches in total in all competitions.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Arsenal installed as favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 11/20 (1.55) – 64.5%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 9/2 (5.50) – 18.2%
*odds from 10bet, subject to change
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal have been installed as favourites with bookmakers to win on home soil. A draw is rated at just under 24% in terms of the implied probabilities, while a Villarreal victory away from home is rated at just over 18%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Villarreal a tricky customer
Interestingly, Arsenal have only won once in the last five H2Hs against Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine have proved to be a tricky opponent for the Gunners in the past, but we are still backing Mikel Arteta's men to find a way to victory.
UEFA Europa League 06/05/21
Arsenal
Villarreal
UEFA Europa League 29/04/21
Villarreal
Arsenal
Arsenal preview: Gyokeres to get first start?
After a small cameo from the bench against Spurs, Viktor Gyokeres could be in line for his first start for Arsenal after moving from Sporting in the summer transfer window. With continued doubts over Gabriel's fitness, another new signing in Cristhian Mosquera could also make the starting XI, while Noni Madueke is likely to make a cameo from the bench.
Predicted lineup: Raya (GK); White, Saliba, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres & Martinelli
England Premier League 11/05/25
D
Liverpool
2
Arsenal
2
UEFA Champions League 07/05/25
L
PSG
2
Arsenal
1
England Premier League 03/05/25
L
Bournemouth
2
Arsenal
1
UEFA Champions League 29/04/25
L
PSG
1
Arsenal
0
England Premier League 23/04/25
D
Crystal Palace
2
Arsenal
2
Villarreal preview: No Partey expected
Despite the signing of Thomas Partey following his release from Arsenal, Villarreal are not expected to field the Ghana international in this one. Former Gunner Nicolas Pepe could be named in the starting XI though.
Predicted lineup: Junior (GK); Foyth, Mourino, Marin, Cardona; Pepe, Gueye, Parejo, Pino; Eyong & Moreno
Spain La Liga 10/05/25
W
Girona
0
Villarreal
1
Spain La Liga 03/05/25
W
Osasuna
2
Villarreal
4
Spain La Liga 27/04/25
W
Espanyol
0
Villarreal
1
Spain La Liga 23/04/25
L
Celta Vigo
3
Villarreal
0
Spain La Liga 20/04/25
D
Real Sociedad
2
Villarreal
2
Player to watch: Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is pushing for his first Arsenal start after coming off the bench against Tottenham last time out. He is a player that Villarreal will fear, having scored 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting last season.