The preseason is almost coming to an end. It has to especially if we want the season to start any time soon. Teams would wish to play their final matches quickly and settle down for their start to the season. This is especially true when it comes to English teams. With the transfer window shutting a bit earlier in England this year, teams would be scrambling to make sure that they have their team set up for the new season. However, things still look rather shaky for some of them. The match against Lyon would be an opportunity to test just how well Arsenal can start their new season.
Arsenal
Arsenal is still embattled in the race to sign some of their transfer targets this season. In truth, they are doing far better than some thought they would do this season. However, a lot of work still needs to be done before they can be ready for the season. With star player Zaha on their radar and is set to be until the end of the season, Arsenal got themselves a real fight to push the transfer over the line. However, the match against Lyon might serve as another test to prove themselves worthy of advancing towards their goal. However, preseason rarely would be in their minds towards the end of the season.
Lyon
Lyon would be hoping to take the French league by storm this season. While there may not be yet ready to challenge the big boys such as PSG for the crown, they would hope to make real progress this season. Therefore, preseason matches would be considered important as they can help them get the head start which they always wanted. It would be a good idea to face opponents such as Arsenal as they would give them a taste of just how it feels playing one of the top guns in European football. The form is another aspect which Lyon can count on heading into this game.
Form
Lyon has not won any game played in recent matches. However, there is a catch. Most of the matches which they have gone through were played towards the end of last season. So while their five wins and a single draw is rather excellent, it has no bearings on this game. This is the first preseason match which Lyon would be playing and they would surely be expecting to do pretty well when the game kicks off.
The form which Arsenal are currently in is not bad at all because this is only pre-season. With three wins and two draws in the bag, their last taste of defeat would be in the Europa finals. So far except the penalties against Real Madrid, Arsenal is yet to be defeated in the 90 minutes of normal play in this preseason. That in itself is simply a fantastic record to have.
When both teams meet, we can enjoy a game without at stake but the flow of free, passionate football.
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