Arsenal Players with Point to Prove vs. Urawa Red Diamonds in Preseason Friendly

Friendly matches are typically fairly meaningless encounters. They are used predominantly to improve stamina and build confidence.

However, there are several Arsenal players who will view tomorrow's clash with Urawa Red Diamonds as an opportunity to make a point to Arsene Wenger.

Go to the next slide to see who has something to prove in Arsenal's latest preseason clash.  

Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere might feel he has little to prove at Arsenal. He is loved by the fans and seen as the future of the England midfield.

However, remarkably, there are question marks over Wilshere's place in the Arsenal first XI.

Arsenal's late surge in 2012/13 to beat Tottenham to fourth place was achieved largely without Wilshere, who was suffering with a niggling ankle problem. In his absence, Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky formed an effective midfield trio.

Now that Wilshere has returned to fitness, he must show Arsene Wenger that he is worth changing a successful team for.

A storming performance against Urawa Red Diamonds would help make Wilshere undroppable again.  

Bacary Sagna

It is something of a surprise that Bacary Sagna is still at Arsenal. After an inconsistent 2012/13 campaign, Sagna was linked by The Daily Mail with moves to Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and PSG.

However, Sagna remains with the Gunners and is set to see out the final year of his contract in London.

Sagna faces increasing competition for his right-back spot from the improving Carl Jenkinson. In the last preseason match against Nagoya Grampus, Sagna was deployed as a centre-back to accommodate Jenkinson on the flank.

Although Sagna impressed in the unfamiliar role, he will be eager to reclaim his place in his preferred position at full-back, starting with this match in Japan. 

Ignasi Miquel

Ignasi Miquel has the chance of a lifetime.

With Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny out injured, Miquel has an invaluable opportunity to stake a claim for a regular place in the first-team squad.

As yet, Arsene Wenger has yet to enter the transfer market to sign a replacement for the departed Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci.

If Miquel impresses at the Saitama Stadium, Wenger might yet decide to keep his cheque-book closed. 

Ryo Miyaichi

Ryo Miyaichi will have been delighted with his contribution to Arsenal's last preseason friendly.

Miyaichi was afforded a rare start and converted a confident penalty against Nagoya Grampus. The Japanese youngster will know that every positive performance he puts in moves him closer to a place in the Arsenal first team.

Arsene Wenger will be considering whether or not to retain Miyaichi for 2013/14 or send him out for another loan spell.

Miyaichi would rather remain in London. If he continues to impress on tour, that could become a realistic possibility.