Arsenal versus the MLS All-Stars! Yes indeed, the 2023 MLS All-Star Game is here! The best of the best, in the American top flight will be managed by England, Manchester United and Everton legend Wayne Rooney.
“I’ve had a front row seat to watch the growth and development of Major League Soccer, first as a player and now as a manager,” Rooney said. The opportunity to lead the best our league has to offer against a top Premier League club like Arsenal will be a highlight for me personally and an unforgettable experience for our passionate fanbase here in D.C.
USA ready ??
Here’s our travelling squad for our 2023 tour stateside ??
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 16, 2023
MLS All-Star Game FYIs
Arsenal vs MLS All-Stars (managed by Wayne Rooney)
Kickoff: Wed July 19, 8:30 EST, Audi Field, Washington D.C.
Arsenal Preview Content: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Match Notes and Quotes: go here
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Watch: Apple TV
? Magic number 41
? History with Arsenal stars
? Premier League stats last season?? Here’s thirteen things you might not know about Declan Rice ?
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 16, 2023
Rooney is currently the manager of D.C. United, one of the worst sides in MLS, but this friendly will take place in their home venue. Rooney also starred for that club as player, towards the very tail end of his career.
He was one of the most dangerous scorers in all of MLS for the 2018 season, long after he lost the level of form that made him a superstar in the Premier League.
So who are Rooney and his merry band of MLS All-Stars going to face in the Arsenal first team?
Will the trio of new Gunners signings all feature? Why not? It’s a showcase match after all!
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should absolutely start Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber here. There is no reason not to.
Arsenal FC Starting XI (4-3-3) Prediction vs MLS All-Stars
Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Timber, Tierney; Rice, Trossard, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Nelson
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.