Two clubs looking to return to form will do battle today in a friendly between Arsenal and Benfica. The 2014 Emirates Cup match scheduled for 11:20 a.m. ET will be held at the Emirates Stadium in London and can be live streamed here free.
Joel Campbell Being Scouted By AC Milan at 2014 Emirates Cup
The 2014 World Cup provided memorable moments that will undoubtedly last generations. What it didn't provide, however, was enough preparation for Premier League managers. Arsenal's Arsene Wenger was vocal about his displeasure with the tournament and the strain it has put on his training, adding that today's clash with Benfica is no holiday. The time for his club to return to work is now.
"The real work starts now and then the Emirates Cup this weekend," Wenger said (via the Mirror). "The problem is our preseason will be very short. These post World Cup years are a nightmare for us because we have no preparation."
With the Premier League season less than three weeks away and not enough preparation time, expect a first-choice XI to be on display at Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: The one player every Gunner anxiously awaits to analyze is the newly acquired Alexis Sanchez. The 25-year-old made 34 league appearances with Barcelona last season, finishing with 19 goals and 10 assists. He'll look to bring a much-needed forward presence to the club.
Arsenal's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Monreal, Koscielny, Chambers, Debuchy; Wilshere, Flamini; Sanchez, Cazorla, Campbell; Giroud
Benfica's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Artur: Pereira, César, Sídnei, Eliseu; Almeida, Talisca, Gaitán, Salvio; Lima, Cardozo
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