Arsenal rotate six for Emirates Cup final

Arsenal make six changes to the starting XI for the Emirates Cup final against Athletic Club.

Arsenal rotate six for Emirates Cup final

Arsenal have six changes to the starting XI for the Emirates Cup final with Raya starting in goal. In defense, Jurrien Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori line up ahead of Ben White, Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The midfield is anchored by Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice with Martin Odegaard wearing the captain's armband, while Saka, Gyokeres and Martinelli form the front three. The substitutes include Kepa, Rojas, White, Mosquera, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Lokonga, Merino, Madueke, Nwaneri, Nelson and Havertz.

The match can be watched live on Arsenal.com and the official app via Match Pass.

Arsenal's lineup suggests a deliberate test of depth. The inclusion of Calafiori and Zubimendi signals a willingness to rely on squad players who can grow into bigger roles. Resting Dowman and fielding under-21s as part of the day’s program shows a balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term development. Whether this approach translates into results tonight may not be the point; it’s about gathering data for the season ahead and showing players they are considered part of the plan.

Highlights

A night to test ideas in real time as Arsenal builds depth