Emirates Cup 2015: TV Info, Schedule and Preview for Sunday's Action
The Emirates Cup has once again brought some of Europe's biggest teams under one roof as hosts Arsenal look to overcome Wolfsburg, Villarreal and Lyon in their pursuit of pre-season prosperity.
Arsene Wenger's side are sure to benefit from such a heated summer competition on home turf, giving both their experienced stars and unseasoned prospects a chance against big opposition.
Following Saturday's opening encounters, the Gunners will face Wolfsburg on Sunday, while Lyon and Villarreal clash in the earlier Sunday fixture, to round off a high-octane weekend of pre-season drama.
Read on for a look toward Sunday's fixtures, along with full fixture information and all the necessary viewing details.
| 2 p.m. BST/9 a.m. ET | Lyon vs. Villarreal | BT Sport 1 (UK), beIN Sports 5 (U.S.) |
| 4:20 p.m. BST/11:20 a.m. ET | Arsenal vs. Wolfsburg | BT Sport 1 (UK), beIN Sports 5 (U.S.) |
Lyon vs. Villarreal
Following on from last season's sixth-placed finish in La Liga, Villarreal are a team hoping to move on to bigger things this season, while Lyon's runner-up finish in Ligue 1 has also reopened their horizons.
Villarreal's 2014-15 campaign was impressive, but David Cartlidge of beIN Sports believes the squad has lost too much of its offensive thrust this summer, and Luciano Vietto's exit to Atletico Madrid may prove particularly harmful:
A 2-1 win over Wolfsburg on Saturday gave the Yellow Submarine their dream start to the tournament, and the team may be slightly pleased to be the only side not meeting home outfit Arsenal this weekend.
Lyon are no shrinking violets, though, and Villarreal manager Marcelino and his side will be hard-pressed to keep the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Clinton N'Jie at bay.
Mark Bryans of the Press Association (via Daily Mail) reported on Saturday that the summer links between Lacazette and Arsenal remain strong, but Lyon fans used the Emirates Cup to lay down their own "hands-off" sign:
Villarreal's stubborn defence will meet a potentially dangerous Lyon attack on Sunday in what promises to be a superb contrast of styles, pondering whether French flair can overcome Spanish stinginess.
Arsenal vs. Wolfsburg
Following the stellar first-half outing against Lyon on Saturday, Arsenal will be striving to ensure they get their work done early against Wolfsburg if they're to enjoy a stress-free Sunday.
One of those absent from the Lyon victory was Jack Wilshere, per ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery, but there's a chance for the central midfielder to make his return to the lineup against the Bundesliga side:
New signings may be desired at the Emirates Stadium, but many in the north London abode may be just as happy to settle for an injury-free campaign for Wilshere, long hailed as an integral member of the team.
This season could be of particular importance to the England playmaker, too, after Wenger was quoted by Goal.com's Tom Maston saying Wilshere could be promoted to a more advanced role: "It is a big season for Jack Wilshere. I hope that he can get a full season without any problems and then it will be a big year for him and us as well. I see him in a creative offensive position, on the flank or in the middle. For me, he is a creator in the final third."
Wolfsburg fell to Villarreal in their Emirates Cup opener and will require a rapid resurgence if they're to hold off the attack that demolished Lyon.
Sunday could also see Nicklas Bendtner make his return to the Emirates Stadium turf against his former club, adding a more personal touch to the clash.
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