Arsenal v New York Red BullSunday, July 31
Arsenal v New York
In the fifth edition of the Emirates Cup, hosts Arsenal will attempt to win the trophy for a fourth time when they welcome MLS side, New York. Despite the speculation hanging over Samir Nasri (and Cesc Fabregas), the Frenchman yesterday captained an Arsenal team that drew 2-2 against Argentine side Boca Juniors. In the game prior, New York upset an expensively assembled Paris Saint Germain side to hold on to a 1-0 win.
Despite some nervous moments in the opening period, Arsenal took a deserved lead into the break with Gervinho the stand out performer. Arsene Wenger made a raft of changes at half-time but it didn't stop Aaron Ramsey firing Arsenal into a two goal lead before it all fell apart. In a game where the result looked beyond doubt, defensive errors again haunted the Gunners as they let in Boca Juniors with two goals in the space of 5 minutes. New York took advantage of the fact that Paris were fielding 4 debutants as Estonian International, Joel Lindpere, calmly slotted a perfectly weighted through ball past hapless keeper, Salvatore Sirigu. It was all hands to the pump for the American team following the break, but inspired defending by captain Tim Ream got the underdogs over the line.
Arsenal wil more than likely welcome Vermaelen, Rosicky, Szczesny, Sagna, Song, and Gibbs into the first 11 after all the aforementioned did not take part in yesterday's game. They will most likely be joined by Gervinho, Wilshere, Koscielny, and Van Persie who were all substituted at half-time. With the inclusion of Nasri, this starting 11 will be much stronger than the one fielded by Wenger against Boca Juniors. The Red Bulls by no means have the size or quality of Arsenal's squad so manager, Hans Backe, will have no choice but to field many who played in yesterday's game (two games in the space of 24hrs). Maybe the inclusion of Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, and former Barcelona man, Rafa Marquez, will give the visitors a boost but I don't think it will be enough to stop Arsenal from a comfortable win and another Emirates Cup.
Pick: Arsenal -1.25ah @1.79 (sbobet, 10 units)
Arsenal 1 - 1 New York
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