Arsenal face Real Betis in a pre-season friendly at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. BST, with live television and streaming coverage available through Premier Sports 1 and Arsenal.com as both clubs prepare for the upcoming domestic and European campaigns.
Aviva Stadium Host Dublin Showdown as Pre-Season Intensifies
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side return to the British Isles following a 4-1 pre-season victory over Spanish second-tier opposition in Girona, setting up a Wednesday evening clash against Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ticket sales for the fixture have remained healthy, with remaining seats ranging from €70 to €145 on Ticketmaster, according to regional reporting. The match marks a step up in opposition quality for the Gunners, who are cramming preparations ahead of their August 16 Community Shield fixture against Manchester City and their Premier League curtain-raiser against newly promoted Coventry City.
Real Betis arrive in Dublin having already played five summer fixtures under manager Manuel Pellegrini, recording victories against Lotte, Recreativo de Huelva, Lyon, and Almería while conceding just a single goal in a defeat to Granada. The Andalusian side finished fifth in La Liga last season to secure Champions League qualification for the first time since the 2005–06 campaign, pointing toward potential European meetings between the two clubs during the 2026–27 season.
Squad Availability and Projected Lineups in Dublin
Arsenal’s squad management remains shaped by post-World Cup recovery schedules. Players such as Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyökeres, and Piero Hincapié logged limited minutes in Spain after returning from international duty, though their workloads are expected to increase in Dublin. Meanwhile, teenage midfielder Max Dowman retains his place on the right flank alongside summer signing Christos Tzolis, filling in while Bukayo Saka remains on vacation.
Defensive depth remains tested, and Christian Nørgaard closes in on a transfer to Everton. Arsenal are expected to line up with Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, supported by a backline featuring Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapié, and Riccardo Calafiori, alongside a midfield trio of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Kai Havertz.
Real Betis travel with several familiar names, including former Arsenal full-back Héctor Bellerín, who prepares to face his old club for the first time since his departure in 2021. Diego Llorente is expected to be available despite suffering muscular fatigue against Almería, and playmaker Isco is slated to feature from the start after receiving his first pre-season minutes in Andalusia.
Broadcasting Channels and Global Viewing Options
Match coverage options vary by region following technical difficulties encountered during Arsenal’s opening pre-season broadcast. United Kingdom viewers can watch the game live on Premier Sports 1 or stream it through the Premier Sports Player app.
Alternatively, supporters worldwide can access the stream directly through Arsenal.com and the club’s official mobile application. Single-match access is priced at £6.99, while a comprehensive Pre-Season Pass is also available.
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