Arsenal announced that they would once again be visiting the United States of America this summer as they prepare for the new season. They faced Chelsea, Everton and MLS side Orlando City in 2022 but will face a nostalgic challenge this time with Wayne Rooney set to take charge of an MLS All-Stars side.
Current Gunners Granit Xhaka, Rob Holding and Mohamed Elneny all played in the previous clash between the two sides in 2016. The North American all-star XI was made up of stars such as Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba, Kaka and David Villa as goals from Joel Campbell and Chuba Akpom earned Arsenal a 2-1 win with former Chelsea forward Drogba getting the All-Stars' goal.
The team will be very different for both sides seven years on from the last encounter. However, the process by which the All-Stars are selected is not based on form and football.london spoke with LA Times writer Kevin Baxter to get a better idea about the match and some of the question marks it has raised.
READ MORE: Arsenal behind-closed-doors friendly difficult with Saka, Partey and Odegaard among call-ups
"It’s really hard to predict the team because it is selected in a voting process of media, players, coaches and fans," explains Baxter. "Generally popular players make it even if they’re having terrible seasons.
"Because if that I expect Carlos Vela will make the team. LAFC’s Denis Bouanga will definitely make it. The Galaxy’s Riqui Puig. Nashville’s Walker Zimmerman. Probably Jordan Morris of Seattle."
Arsenal’s fan base is of course global and the excitement for supporters based in the States that the Gunners are returning has already created a real buzz. USMNT debutant Auston Trusty will have returned to the club and barring a transfer could even be part of the preseason group that travels across the Atlantic.
However, Baxter has some questions regarding the decision for All-Stars to face the Gunners this summer. Raising some valid questions which draw comparisons to a bugbear of my own regarding suggestions of a Premier League All-Star side.
"As for the game, it seems to me that MLS is once again suffering from an inferiority complex," claims Baxter. "The past two summers the All-Star game matched teams from MLS and Liga MX.
"Now it’s going back to MLS vs a European team on holiday. Certainly, a big part of that is selling tickets and getting people to watch on TV; Arsenal will do that.
"But what are you saying about your league when you gather the best players from 29 teams and have them play against one club team? Could you imagine the Bundesliga or La Liga doing that?"
With this in mind, it is perhaps even stranger, from the European perspective at least, to see the game taking place during the MLS season. Orlando City interrupted their push for the playoffs to host their Premier League opponents and Baxter again questions if this is the right decision.
"So why even have an all-star game at all? With the addition of the League’s Cup with Mexico, the best teams in MLS could play as many as 60 games this season," Baxter added.
"I'm sure most players would rather have the time off than have to travel to and play in a meaningless exhibition in the summer heat. But this game is a big deal for MLS.
"The league used to wine and dine corporate sponsors at the MLS Cup. But that game is now played in the stadium of the highest remaining playoff seed.
"Since the site isn’t determined until a week before the game, it can be difficult to arrange all the sponsor events. With the all-star site chosen about a year in advance, the planning is much easier. That’s a big reason this game exists."
From the players' perspective, there has already been some controversy. One very well-known player refused to play when the chance was offered.
"Many players don’t like the game," says Baxter. "Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] declined to go one year and was suspended for a game.
"TV ratings for the last MLS vs a European club were poor. The MLS/Liga MX games created more buzz."
Arsenal are due to face the MLS All-Stars on July 19 in Washington DC at Audi Field.
READ NEXT:
Bukayo Saka, William Saliba: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Leeds clash
Real Madrid eye Arsenal star striker as 'perfect' Karim Benzema replacement amid transfer plan
Mikel Arteta award, Premier League champions - pundits predict Arsenal end of season outcome
Seven players who regret leaving Arsenal amid Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey struggles
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
