Premier League giants Arsenal announce Dubai friendly against Al Nasr for this month

Sport360 staff 15:08 12/03/2019
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  • Arsenal fans in the Middle East are set for the rare opportunity to see their heroes in the flesh this month when a glamour friendly against Al Nasr, for the formal reopening of Al Maktoum Stadium, headlines a five-day training camp in Dubai.

    Tickets for March 26’s (18:00 UAE kick-off) game are priced at Dh100 (category 3) and Dh150 (category 2). They go on sale from 18:00 (UAE time) on Wednesday through Platinum List and onsite at the 15,058-capacity venue.

    The meeting falling within the international break will deny the Gunners several star names, but it should not stop the likes of attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil and centre-back Laurent Koscielny from featuring. Head coach Unai Emery will use the trip to prepare for April 1’s Premier League-resumption against Newcastle United.

    “It will be great to get some warm weather training and break up the usual routine as we enter the final stage of the season,” said the Spaniard, who took over from the iconic Arsene Wenger last summer. “The facilities in Dubai are fantastic and it will be an honour to be part of the formal opening ceremony for the new stadium.”

    The Al Maktoum was extensively renovated in time for January’s Asian Cup. Malcolm Macdonald, John Matthews and John Radford were on target in a 3-1 victory for Arsenal back in November 1976 when the sides last met.

    Arsenal sit fourth after Sunday’s 2-0 win against Manchester United. Nasr, captained by ex-Spain striker Alvaro Negredo, are 11th in the Arabian Gulf League.

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