On July 23, 2025, Arsenal faces AC Milan in a highly anticipated pre-season friendly at Singapore’s National Stadium, kicking off the Gunners’ 2025/26 season preparations. This clash, part of the Singapore Festival of Football, pits two European football giants against each other, offering fans a glimpse of new signings, emerging talents, and tactical tweaks ahead of the Premier League and Serie A campaigns. In this blog, we dive into the Arsenal vs AC Milan match details, key players to watch, and how to catch the action, while providing tips for fans to make the most of this exciting encounter. Let’s explore what this blockbuster friendly has in store!
Match Overview: Arsenal vs AC Milan
The Arsenal vs AC Milan friendly takes place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. local time (12:30 p.m. BST) at Singapore’s 55,000-capacity National Stadium. This match marks Arsenal’s return to Singapore for the first time since their 5-1 victory over PSG in 2018, and it’s AC Milan’s first-ever match in the Lion City. As part of Arsenal’s pre-season Asia tour, which also includes a match against Newcastle United on July 27, this game is a critical step in manager Mikel Arteta’s quest to end Arsenal’s five-year trophy drought. AC Milan, under new manager Max Allegri, aims to rebuild after a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw them finish eighth in Serie A and miss European competition.
Historical Context
Arsenal and AC Milan have a storied history, with competitive meetings in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Arsenal dominated their most recent competitive clash, winning 5-1 on aggregate in the 2017/18 Europa League Round of 16, though Milan got revenge in the 2011/12 Champions League. Their last friendly in December 2022 in Dubai saw Arsenal edge out a 2-1 victory. This pre-season encounter promises high-tempo football, with both teams eager to make a statement.
Key Players to Watch
Arsenal
Arsenal’s squad is brimming with talent, bolstered by summer signings and academy prospects. Fans can expect to see:
- Bukayo Saka: The star winger, known for match-winning contributions, will be pivotal in Arsenal’s attack.
- Martín Zubimendi: The new midfield signing could make his debut, adding steel and creativity.
- Christian Nørgaard: Another midfield recruit, expected to anchor the team alongside Declan Rice.
- Academy Starlets: 15-year-olds Max Downman and Marli Salmon are tipped for senior appearances, showcasing Arsenal’s youth pipeline.
- Starting XI (Predicted): Raya, White, Saliba, Calafiori, Zinchenko, Nørgaard, Rice, Nwaneri, Martinelli, Saka, Havertz.
Note: New signing Noni Madueke is absent due to his Club World Cup commitments with Chelsea.
AC Milan
Milan, undergoing a rebuild under Allegri, will rely on key players to regain momentum:
- Rafael Leão: The speedy winger’s technical prowess makes him a constant threat.
- Samuele Ricci: A new midfield signing expected to feature prominently.
- Pietro Terracciano: The goalkeeper will aim to stabilize Milan’s defense.
- Luka Modrić: The 39-year-old veteran, recently joined from Real Madrid, brings experience to a transitioning squad.
- Starting XI (Predicted): Terracciano, Tomori, Thiaw, Pavlović, Bartesaghi, Ricci, Loftus-Cheek, Musah, Saelemaekers, Leão, Pulisic.
Milan’s squad is in flux, with key departures like Theo Hernandez to Al Hilal and Tijjani Reijnders, and potential new signings like Dušan Vlahović rumored.
What to Expect from the Match
This pre-season friendly is more than a warm-up; it’s a chance for both teams to test their mettle. Arsenal, coming off three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League, are favored to win due to their cohesive squad and Arteta’s competitive approach, with predictions leaning toward a 2-1 victory. Milan, despite their recent inconsistencies, will look to Leão and Modrić to spark their attack. The match will likely feature multiple substitutions to give younger players and new signings valuable minutes, with a focus on fitness and tactical integration over the final result. Expect an entertaining, high-scoring game given Arsenal’s historical scoring record at the National Stadium (13 goals in four visits).
Key Storylines
- Arsenal’s New Signings: Fans are eager to see how Zubimendi and Nørgaard gel with stars like Rice and Saka.
- Milan’s Rebuild: Allegri’s return and Modrić’s arrival signal a new era, but can they overcome last season’s struggles?
- Singapore Festival of Football: The event, featuring Arsenal, Milan, and Newcastle, promises a vibrant atmosphere for fans in Southeast Asia.
How to Watch Arsenal vs AC Milan
- Date and Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. SGT (12:30 p.m. BST, 7:30 a.m. ET, 5:00 p.m. IST, 9:30 p.m. AEST).
- Venue: National Stadium, Singapore.
- TV and Streaming:
- UK and Australia: Stream on Arsenal.com or the Arsenal app for £6.99 (single match) or £14.99 (Pre-Season Pass for five games). Update the app to version 8.1.7 (iOS) or 11.11.10 (Android). Note: Not available in Italy or Singapore.
- US: Stream on Paramount+.
- India: Stream on FanCode.
- Other Regions: Check ESPN for live updates or local broadcasters.
- Live Blog: Follow Standard Sport or ESPN for real-time updates.
- Tickets: Available via the Singapore Sports Hub website, with a reminder to arrive early due to expected heavy traffic.
Pro Tip: Save with Arsenal’s Pre-Season Pass (£14.99) to watch all five friendlies, including matches against Newcastle, Tottenham, Villarreal, and Athletic Club.
Tips for Fans in Singapore
- Arrive Early: Expect heavy traffic at the National Stadium. Use public transport and arrive by 6:00 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Check www.sportshub.com.sg for directions.
- Fan Zone: Visit the Kallang Wave Mall for ticket collection and souvenir redemption from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on match day.
- Explore Singapore: After the match, enjoy local attractions like Marina Bay Sands or Gardens by the Bay, and stay hydrated in Singapore’s humid weather.
The Bigger Picture: Pre-Season Importance
Pre-season friendlies like Arsenal vs AC Milan are crucial for building team chemistry and testing new strategies. For Arsenal, this match is a chance to integrate signings like Zubimendi and Nørgaard while giving academy talents exposure. Milan, aiming to rebound from a lackluster season, will use this game to adapt to Allegri’s methods. The Singapore Festival of Football also highlights the global appeal of both clubs, with Arsenal’s return after a successful 2018 visit and Milan’s debut generating buzz among Southeast Asian fans.
Join the Excitement
The Arsenal vs AC Milan clash promises high-energy football, new faces, and a vibrant atmosphere at Singapore’s National Stadium. Whether you’re cheering for the Gunners’ attacking flair or Milan’s storied legacy, this match is a must-watch for football fans. Tune in, support your team, and get ready for the 2025/26 season!
Who are you backing in this pre-season showdown? Share your predictions in the comments and spread the word about this exciting match!
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