Theo Walcott
Arsenal striker Theo Walcott is yet to sign a new deal with the Gunners Getty

Arsenal host Lyon in the first game of the Emirates Cup on 25 July as they look to reclaim their title after 2010.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 4.20pm BST. Live coverage of the game will be on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD.

Overview

Arsenal come into the game on the back of winning the Barclays Asia Trophy after beating a Singapore Select XI 4-0 and Everton 3-1 and will be favourites to get the better of their French rivals. Arsene Wenger is likely to make a lot of changes for this game with a host of youngsters, given the opportunity to play in front of a packed crowd.

However, the manager will have one eye on the Community Shield against Chelsea a week later and is likely to field his first XI together at some point to increase co-ordination and build communication.

The Gunners do not have too many injury worries except Danny Welbeck, who has a scarring on his knee and is unavailable for selection. Meanwhile, Alexis Sanchez and David Ospina are both out of the fixture after being handed a breather following their exertions in the Copa America.

Chuba Akpom is expected to get a look-in following his hat-trick against Singapore in pre-season while Olivier Giroud, who looked out of pace in the game against Everton will be given the opportunity to prove his fitness and claim a spot ahead of Theo Walcott in the starting XI.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a top class striker this summer and both players will be looking to show their mettle to change Wenger's mind on transfers.

The fans will have the chance to get an eye on Alexander Lacazette, who has been heavily linked with a move to several clubs in the Premier League, including the Gunners.

Lyon finished the season in second spot last season, eight points behind Paris Saint-Germain and the manager will be hoping they can use this platform to push on and gain some confidence for next season.

What Managers Say

Arsene Wenger: "They are two teams we can talk about in the next two or three years. Lyon has a good bunch of young players and finished second in the league and Wolfsburg is the upcoming team in Germany and they did a good job last year. They are two teams who certainly will be important teams in Europe in the next few years."

Hubert Fournier: "It is another exciting test for us. It is going to allow us to give additional playing time to the entire squad. We are going to have 90 minutes in our legs before the Trophee des Champions final against Paris Saint-Germain. We think it is an important trophy, myself, the staff and the players - it's a competition we will take seriously, that is why we are preparing seriously for it. These matches will allow us to get up and running so we can be at our best in that competition."

Betting Odds (By 888Sport)

  • Arsenal Win: 11/21
  • Draw: 3/1
  • Lyon Win: 19/14

Team News

Arsenal

Possible XI: Cech; Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Coquelin, Ramsey; Walcott, Ozil, Chamberlain; Giroud

Lyon

Possible XI: Lopes; Dabo, Umtiti, Rose, Jallet; Gonalons; Tolisso, Ferri; Gourcuff; Fekir, Lacazette

Arsenal FC