Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen: Live score, team news and updates

Happy, Arsenal fans?

I bet you all are. Two of the Gunners' best players have returned to take their place on the bench today. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

After having a few weeks off, they will need to get back up to scratch, but it's still a major boost to Mikel Arteta.

Saka is smiling too - that's always good to see.

The return of Granit Xhaka.

I bet he nearly walked into the home dressing room upon his arrival due to the force of habit.

But Xhaka will be donning the colours of Bayer Leverkusen today against his old club.

It will feel very weird for him, surely?

Xabi Alonso is not holding back either.

Bayer Leverkusen have not come to the Emirates to mess about, they mean business.

After impressing at Euro 2024, the crown jewel in the German side, Florian Wirtz, has returned.

Granit Xhaka also starts at the ground he called home for several years.

Now this is a strong line-up.

The time for tinkering with the starting 11 is over for Mikel Arteta, he is going for it today.

David Raya is back from holiday and straight in between the sticks.

William Saliba returns too to re-from his partnership with Gabriel at the back.

Also, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are on the bench, nearly a month after their disappointment in Berlin.

I suspect this will be a similar line-up to the one that will play against Wolves on the opening day.

Oh, it must feel good to be back home.

Just look at the smile on Mikel Arteta's face as he leads his Arsenal side into the Emirates.

The Spaniard has named his side to take on Bayer Leverkusen tonight, but who has he picked?

You will know in just a couple of minutes...

Ohhhhh, it feels good to be back!

After covering game, after game, after game in the United States, the action is finally back in the beautiful UK.

What's great about that is it's actually being played at a normal time. Hurrah!

It's a cracker of a game too. Arsenal take on reigning German Champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Emirates Cup.

With pre-season now on its last legs, games are getting more, and more, competitive. Don't expect this one to be friendly.

Right, let's get this show on the road then, shall we?