Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich: Where to Watch, Live Stream, Team News and Latest Odds
Arsenal and Bayern Munich begin their International Champions Cup campaign on Wednesday night, when they face off in Carson, California.
So far this summer, the Gunners' main focus has been off the field, where fans have grown frustrated with owner Stan Kroenke's running of the club.
Fourteen supporters groups have called for the American to make "new and dynamic appointments" and urged him not to treat Arsenal like a "like an investment vehicle".
The signatories have complained of having "never felt more marginalised" and expressed concerns that a lack of investment will see Arsenal overtaken by more ambitious rivals.
Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League last season, extending its league title drought to 15 years. The Gunners' only signing so far this summer has been Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli and Arsenal coach Unai Emery has to make do with a modest budget of approximately $50 million as he looks to strengthen his team.
It is a fraction of what the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United have already spent and Emery could soon have to look to bolster his defense, with Laurent Koscielny wanting out.
The club captain has refused to join his teammates on the U.S. tour and Emery said he would speak to the Frenchman before making a decision on his future.
"I spoke with him three times for his situation. We wanted him to come with us but he decided to stay," Emery was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "For me now, it's clear. We need to keep moving ahead. We're playing with the spirit to create a new way."
Emery's Bayern Munich counterpart, Niko Kovac, has no such issues. The Bavarians won a seventh consecutive Bundesliga title last season and have already signed Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard and Jann-Fiete Arp for a combined $132 million.
The five-time European Cup winners, however, have waved goodbye to club legends Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, who left Munich after a trophy-laden decade at the end of last season.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of Wednesday night.
When and where is the game?
Arsenal takes on Bayern Munich at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. local time (11 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, July 17.
TV coverage
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 with English commentary and on ESPN Deportes with Spanish commentary.
Live stream
Live stream will be available via ESPN digital platforms as well as via WatchESPN.
Team news
Arsenal were comfortable winners against Colorado Rapids on Monday, marking its first game in the U.S. this summer with a 3-0 win. Martinelli scored on his debut, adding to first half goals from Bukayo Saka and James Olayinka and the three youngsters could be involved again against Bayern Munich.
The Germans have cancelled two pre-season friendlies and their game on Wednesday night will be the first they have played since last season ended. As such, Kovac is expected to rely heavily on his substitutes as he looks to give playing time to as many players as possible.
Odds
According to Oddsportal, Bayern is a 41/50 favorite to win, while Arsenal is 287/100 and the draw is at 29/10.
