As Arsenal prepare for their annual pre-season tournament, the Emirates Cup we shall take a closer look at the opposition for the Gunners, as their pre-season kicks into gear.
The teams involved in this year’s tournament are Lyon, Villarreal and Wolfsburg and they will play each other over the weekend of July 25th and 26th.
Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis is happy that this year’s tournament will be a good test for Arsenal, saying “Lyon and Wolfsburg will also provide a good competitive challenge for our players as they prepare for the new season”.
Wolfsburg
The one time Bundesliga Champions had a good season in 2014/2015, as they finished in 2nd place and won the DFB-Pokal.
With a good season behind them they will be looking to start their 2015/2016 campaign with a bang. The Emirates Cup will provide the Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking with the opportunity to blend experience and youth.
The Germans have a very strong team which includes some huge name stars such as Ivan Perišić, Bas Dost, Kevin De Bruyne and many young prospects like Maximillian Arnold, who stands out as a bright talent for Wolfsburg and the German national side.
It will also be a huge weekend for former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner as he returns to the Emirates to face his old team. Even though the three teams in this year’s Emirates are serious competitors, many feel that Wolfsburg will be the biggest test in this cup competition.
Lyon
The seven time Ligue 1 Champions come into this tournament on the back of a very decent season, and will be looking to give a strong showing to the Lyon faithful that will travel to London for the Emirates Cup.
Hubert Fournier’s team will be looking to the likes of Maxim Gonalons and Alexandre Lacazette to show leadership. Lyon are a team that has a good balance of experience and youth with some talented youngsters such as Yassine Benzia, Nabil Fekir and Clement Grenier.
Former Fulham, Tottenham and Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque will be playing on English Soil for the first time since 2010. Lyon could be major contenders for this tournament and with the red hot goalscoring form of Lacazette (27 goals in 31 Appearances), he could be a key factor for Lyon if they win this tournament.
Villarreal
The La Liga outfit will be considered as the underdogs by many but Head Coach Marcelino will be hoping that his side can at least do well in the Emirates Cup.
Villarreal will need the entire team to be on song if they are to challenge for the trophy. When Arsenal play Villarreal, it will be a hugely special game for Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, who spent 3 years at the El Madrigal where he did well.