Match analysis
Arsenal predicted XI vs Real Betis: Youth, control and a bold Merino experiment
Arsenal continue their pre-season preparations against Real Betis at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, 5 August, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30pm UK time. It will be the first senior meeting between the two clubs. (Real Betis Balompié)
Our predicted XI is deliberately experimental:
Raya; Calafiori, Hincapié, Mosquera, Gabriel; Zubimendi; Vieira, Nwaneri; Tzolis, Merino, Dowman.
The most interesting decision is the use of Mikel Merino through the middle. He is not a conventional striker, but his physical presence, aerial ability and intelligent movement could allow him to operate as a false nine. Merino dropping into midfield would also create space for Tzolis and Dowman to attack from the wings.
Behind him, the combination of Fábio Vieira and Ethan Nwaneri would give Arsenal two creative players between the lines. With Martín Zubimendi sitting deeper, both attacking midfielders should have the freedom to move forward, combine around the box and support the front three.
On the wings, Christos Tzolis offers direct running and a genuine goal threat from the left, while Max Dowman deserves another opportunity on the right. Pre-season is the right environment to test whether Dowman can influence matches from the beginning rather than only being introduced against tiring defenders.
The defensive selection is powerful but unconventional. Calafiori, Hincapié, Mosquera and Gabriel are all comfortable operating centrally, meaning Arsenal could effectively become a back three when in possession. However, the absence of a natural right-back could reduce the team’s width on that side and leave Dowman carrying much of the attacking responsibility.
This would not necessarily be the team Arsenal use when competitive football begins. It is a pre-season XI designed to build fitness, assess new combinations and give younger players meaningful minutes.
The main questions are clear: Can Merino lead the attack? Can Vieira and Nwaneri play together without leaving Zubimendi isolated? And can Dowman produce another performance that strengthens his case for a permanent first-team role?
Would you start this XI against Real Betis—or bring in a natural striker and right-back?
