Arsenal continues their pre-season preparations visiting the Big Apple to face a decent MLS side in New York Red Bulls. The match will take place in Red Bull Arena on 26th July, 2014 (23:00 GMT)
The New York side will have a break from the regular MLS season to face the 2014 FA Cup winners.
Having a good match fitness and even better idea about the climate, Red Bulls will be a tough nut for the visitors who are still rusty and a bit short on first team players.
This fixture is more about Red Bulls veteran striker, Thierry Henry facing his old club where he rose to become the legend he is now.
In the press conference few days back he admitted that it will be “weird” to face his former club and as a self-confessed Arsenal fan emotions will be running high. Along with Bradley Wright-Phillips, Henry is still the lethal force and will be smacking his lips against an inexperienced Arsenal backline.
Arsenal’s last Premier league campaign was a much improved one and also, winning the FA Cup has certainly lifted the spirits in the camp.
Coach Arsene Wenger has selected a very balanced squad in terms of first team players and reserves to play against the New York side. The World Cup returnees from Germany and France are yet to join the training. Also, the new signings Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy will join the squad for the annual Emirates Cup.
Wenger might give a run for the youngsters along with some experienced heads. Against Boreham Wood, the younger players like Jon Toral, Hector Bellerin, Gedion Zelalem and Chuba Akpom dazzled and might be given starts. The much criticised Jack Wilshere might play in the double pivot in the midfield alongside Aaron Ramsey.
The tactical balance of the side will be tested against the Red Bulls.
Key Battles:
Thierry Henry against the Arsenal defence of Issac Hayden and Ignasi Miquel. Ramsey’s box-to-box style of play will be difficult for Red Bull midfield to contain.