Emirates Cup Preview [Football is Back!]

The 5th Annual Emirates Cup Pre-Season tournament kicks off today, when Paris St Germain, New York Red Bulls and Boca Juniors make the trip to North London. 

For those who aren't aware of the tournament, the layout is the same as Ajax's Amsterdam tournament. The teams are awarded, 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and a point for every goal scored to encourage attacking football in pre-season.  Arsenal have won their tournament on 3 out of 4 occasions, with Hamburg being the only 'away' team to win the competition in 2008.

Arsenal will be favourites to win this tournament again, but with oil rich PSG involved along with Argentine giants Boca Juniors and Gunners legend Thierry Henry's Red Bull it won't be an easy run at all.

Arsenal

The hosts look to defend their title this weekend when they take on Boca Juniors in the second of the two games on the opening day. Arsenal have won 3 out of the 4 previous tournaments and will look to extend that record by taking care of Boca and then either awoken giants Paris Saint Germain or record goalscorer Thierry Henry's New York Red Bulls.

However, they'll have to do it without skipper Cesc Fabregas, who isn't in Arsenal's squad for the tournament due to "not being 100% focused to play" amid speculation he is edging closer to a move to the Camp Nou with boyhood club Barcelona.

Key Player

Jack Wilshere

19 year old central midfielder Jack Wilshere is the man who everyone will be looking to for inspiration at the Emirates in the absence of captain Cesc Fabregas. The England international is already a key member of Arsenal's line up and will be expected to make a big impact at the tournament where he made his name with two goals in the 2009 final vs Rangers.

He'll be the man to make Arsenal tick along with Welshman Aaron Ramsey and Frenchman Samir Nasri, but as a lifelong Arsenal fan Jack will have that added drive to make sure his team wins - even if it is just a pre-season tournament.

Boca Juniors

Argentine giants Boca Juniors enter the Emirates Cup for their debut appearance in the competition. The Argentines travel to London a few weeks after their domestic season commenced and will look to cause problems to the teams they face.

Key Player

Juan Roman Riquelme

Argentine playmaker Riquelme is by far Boca's most dangerous player in his attacking midfield role. Most known for his time at Villarreal, the man who was once regarded as "The natural successor to Maradona" will look to rip teams apart with his exceptional passing ability, long range shooting and pin point accuracy. He's also pretty handy when it comes to a set piece, something we all know Arsenal have struggled with in the past.

Paris Saint Germain

Paris Saint Germain travel to the Emirates to compete in this pre-season tournament for the third time. The recently turned mega rich French side bring their new look squad to the Emirates with their new owners looking for some success after spending so much money already in this transfer window. Javier Pastore, who signed for €43M isn't in the squad after signing too late.

Key Player

Mamadou Sakho

A monster centre half, 21 year old Mamadou Sakho is captain of Parisian side PSG and will look to lead his side to victory in the Emirates tournament. He attracted copious amounts of interest from all over Europe including Arsenal, but they gave him the captains armband and he looks set to stay for a long time. He'll look to prove the tag he has as one of Europe's hottest prospects by trying to stop some of the best attacking talent in world football in Thierry Henry, Robin Van Persie, Marouane Chamakh and Sergio Araujo.

New York Red Bulls

The New York Red Bulls come to The Emirates Stadium as they become the first MLS side to ever compete in the Emirates Cup. With their domestic season in full flow, they should be one of the more sharp teams in the tournament, but with probably the least quality in the side they won't be expected to win the tournament.

Key Player

Thierry Henry

Well, who else? MLS top goalscorer this season and Arsenal's former captain and all time top goalscorer with 226 goals in 8 years the French man is without doubt The Red Bulls dangerman. Although not as quick as he once was, he's still got enough about to cause problems to any defender and also still has that demon of a right foot and calm head to slot home any chance that may come his way.

Best Game I've Ever Seen Live! #3

Nick Meredith is an Aston Villa fan and blogger. He runs his own blog, Dots&Crosses. He also has his own personal Twitter account @NTMeredith, and his blog's Twitter account, @DotsCrosses. 

As a Villa supporter living in London, chances to see Villa play are few and far between. I’ve also only been interested in football for a shorter time than most, with a mild interest throughout my life only recently growing into full-on football fanaticism. With this in mind, I've chosen my first ever experience watching Villa, in a game that was (fortunately for my burgeoning interest in football) as electrifying as you could wish. The game I have chosen is Aston Villa’s 2-3 win over Everton at Goodison Park in the December of 2008.

Being not only my first live Villa match, but also my first away match, I was nervous and excited in equal measure. Prior to the game, I simply soaked up the atmosphere, only sparing time for visiting the Dixie Dean statue outside the stadium and buying myself a pie and a drink before taking my seat. I was seated in the South end of the Bullens Road stand, surrounded by seasoned Villa campaigners. I had barely sat down, however, before I was on my feet and cheering as the much-maligned Steve Sidwell’s 25-yard rocket of a shot flew into the corner of Tim Howard’s goal in the first minute.

Far from cowing the opposition however, Everton fought back fiercely, driven by their vociferous supporters. That said, whilst their support was animated, it was far from hostile: their applause of Brad Friedel when he ran out to take his position in particular was a nice touch. Everton took control of the game with the impressive duo of Leon Osman and Marouane Fellaini bossing the midfield and creating space for Mikel Arteta to work his magic. Tim Cahill, as ever, was a constant threat, running beyond Victor Anichebe to test Brad Friedel with a volley. Fellaini threatened too, with his powerful header being clawed away by Friedel. Eventually, however, something had to give. A low Arteta free-kick surprised the Villa defence, finding Leon Osman’s head, and the diminutive midfielder’s flick-on reached Lescott, who prodded in past Brad Friedel.

As the second half began, Everton continued to press. The impressive Fellaini had another header cleared off the line, this time by Carlos Cuellar, before yet another header was improbably tipped onto the bar by the veteran Friedel. The Merseysiders were bossing the game, looking sure in their passing and threatening in their attacks, but it was at the other end where the goal came. Phil Jagielka knocked an abysmally short back-pass to Friedel’s compatriot Howard, and Ashley Young stole in and clipped the ball over the American’s despairing dive to continue his wonderful run of form. Needless to say, the Villa supporters went wild, albeit tinged with relief and guilt that such a gift should be presented to us.

Suddenly, Villa were in control as they hadn’t been all game. The defence, lead by the brilliant Martin Laursen, cut out Everton attacks with ease, and talisman Young continued to threaten with his pace and trickery. Everton threw more and more men forward even bringing on Andy Van Der Meyde, a winger, for Phil Neville late on. Though Everton looked increasingly desperate, Villa were dealing well with their waves of attacks, until in the 92^nd minute they got their reward. An Everton corner was poorly cleared by Agbonlahor, and Leon Osman pinged a floating ball back into the box. It was headed back across, back again, before a lurking Joleon Lescott twisted his body into a scarcely believable shape to score a wonderful right-footed volley. The goal was crushing: Goodison Park erupted, the Villa away end had its head in its hands, and Everton had snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat. I was utterly deflated: my first Villa game, and the draw we had earned felt like a loss. A devastated Martin Laursen picked himself up off the floor dejectedly. Not one person saw what was coming next.

Villa kicked off for what was going to be a mere kick around until the whistle sounded. Luke Young hoofed it right into the arms of Tim Howard, who kicked it back downfield. An Everton player lost out in the air, and Gabby Agbonlahor scrapped to win the ball back before tapping it to Young. The young winger took off with blinding pace, ducking inside Lescott, and suddenly he was clear. It is awfully cliché to say that the world stood still, but I remember it exactly that way; Young’s leg pulled back at the edge of the box, three Everton defenders without a hope of stopping him, Tim Howard ready to dive.

Young’s shot fizzed off his boot, nestling perfectly in the bottom corner, and the Villa supporters exploded. Ashley Young ran the length of the pitch to celebrate with Laursen and Agbonlahor in front of our fans. There was jubilation as rampant Villans hugged celebrated  – I was rather disconcerted when a large man wearing a claret and blue scarf hugged me – and the whistle blew to end one of the most wonderful games that I have ever seen, and certainly the best one I have ever seen live.

Who Can Replace Tevez?

Manchester City face one of the hardest tasks in this transfer window, after their captain and talisman Carlos Tevez announced he would be leaving Manchester this summer. 

The Argentine revealed that he missed his daughters and that after 2 years at the blue side of Manchester, he feels it is time to move on and go closer to home to be with his two daughters and his family. The striker has amassed an incredible record at City over his 2 seasons at the club - playing 81 games and scoring 52 goals in all competitions. In the league however, his 43 goals in 63 games is a record matched by nobody.

His 43 leagues goals for Manchester City is the most scored by a single player in the same amount of time, with Darren Bent on 41 goals in that same time period. Didier Drogba has 40 goals while Manchester United star man Wayne Rooney has 37 goals in the last 2 seasons. However, Tevez also has 13 assists showing he isn't all about goalscoring. Wayne Rooney has 14 assists in the two seasons while Didier Drogba has 9. 

These stats show the little Argentine's incredible importance to Manchester City, so how on earth can they replace him?

As usual, the blue side of Manchester has been linked with every top name under the sun with their billions they have available, but only a few names really stand out as possible replacements for Tevez.

Sergio Aguero

Atletico Madrid

Potential Cost: €40M

Sergio Aguero is many peoples favourite to take over as the head talisman at Manchester City after he stated his desire to leave Atletico Madrid during the earlier part of the summer. Another small Argentine striker, with a similar playing style to Tevez - Aguero has really come into his own in La Liga with Atletico Madrid since his €20M move from Independiente 5 years ago.

He struck up a magnificent partnership with Diego Forlan when the Uruguayan arrived from Villarreal, and they became one of the most fearsome attacks in European football. In their first season together, Aguero played in 43 games in all competitions, scoring 22 goals and racking up 9 assists. Since then, Aguero has gone on to play in a further 132 games for  Los Colchoneros scoring 63 goals and raking in 18 assists in all competitions.

His constant running, speed, ability to finish with both feet and composure on the ball make him an excellent candidate to replace Carlos Tevez and with a reported £40M release clause, City certainly won't be worrying about being priced out of a move. Although they may face stiff competition from Juventus and Real Madrid for his signature, their resources and ability to offer Champions League football could be a major pull over Juventus while his relationship with Atletico's fans could push him away from moving to the Bernabeu. 

Samuel Eto'o

Inter Milan

Potential Cost: €37-€40M

Legendary Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o is another candidate to replace Carlos Tevez at Etihad Stadium this summer. At the ripe old age of 31, former Barcelona striker Eto'o has just enjoyed his best goalscoring season at the San Siro club since joining in a deal which saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic join Barcelona 2 seasons ago. 

His record at Inter Milan is fairly good, considering he spend most of his debut season on the right wing cutting in to accomodate for Diego Milito and Jose Mourinho's love of the 4-3-3 formation. In 97 games for The Nerazzurri, he scored 49 goals and helped the teams cause with 21 assists. He also helped to win the UEFA Champions League under Jose Mourinho as well as Serie A in his first season at the club.

At the age of 31, Eto'o would surely only be a short term measure as a replacement for Tevez if Manchester City did sign him, however it is certainly viable. His goal record is impeccable wherever he's been and he's also very good at bringing others into play. His strength, speed, eye for goal and versatility could prove vital for City as they enter their debut season in the Champions League and his experience of scoring in 2 finals and winning 3 Champions League trophies in his career surely make him worth a punt. His wages would be massive and the fee huge too but considering the calibre of player I'd say anything under €32M they should go for it and make him their number 1 striker.

Gonzalo Higuain

Real Madrid

Potential Cost: €27M - €35M

Another Argentine striker linked with the starring role of replacing Carlos Tevez at Eastlands, Gonzalo Higuain is a surprise name to come up in the list. His goalscoring exploits at Real Madrid since joining from River Plate for €13M in January 2007. After signing as a highly rated 19 year-old from Argentina, he initially struggled at Real Madrid before hitting form in the 08/09 season after Ruud Van Nistelrooy got injured. He took the chance with both hands, finishing the season with 24 goals in all competitions (22 in La Liga). 

His Real Madrid record speaks for itself, in 159 games in all competitions for Los Merengues he's scored 74 goals and totalled up 27 assists in the famous white shirt. A phenomenal record considering 55 of those goals have come in the last 3 seasons (and he missed 4 months of last season). However, despite that record it's been reported that the chairman isn't his biggest fan and would rather keep Karim Benzema after spending €35M on the Frenchman. However, Mourinho prefers Higuain to the Frenchman but his injury problems could lead to him being sold. 

His good acceleration, physical strength and ability to finish with either foot or his head. Add that to him being able to break the majority of defensive high lines and incredible ability to score one on ones makes him the ultimate goal threat. His Champions League experience could also prove vital, meaning he is a strong candidate for the position. Reportedly available for between €27M-€35M, he could prove to be the biggest coup of the transfer window if this deal goes through.

Edinson Cavani

Napoli

Potential Cost: €30M

Edinson Cavani is the biggest surprise on the lists of names linked with potentially replacing Carlos Tevez. A natural goalscorer, he signed from Palermo on a season-long loan with Napoli as they looked to bolster their attack to join Europe's elite and get into the Champions League. However, nobody expected what happened next, as the Uruguayan hotshot bagged an incredible 26 goals in 35 league games for the club, before he then signed a new 5-year permanent contract at the club.

Normally that would rule a player out, but with Manchester City's billions and Napoli's history of selling players it's still very much a possibility. Along with Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi, Cavani helped fire Napoli to second in Serie A and a Champions League spot next season.

His insane pace and natural ability to score with either foot, his head and from anywhere in the box or within 30 yards makes him a complete striker, with bags of potential as he is only 24 years old. With a €30M price being touted about for the new hotshot striker it's possible that Manchester City could take a punt on him with a long term view in mind.

Edin Dzeko

Manchester City

Potential Cost: N/A

Of course, Manchester City already have a wide array of forward players in their ranks so they may not even have to spend anything on a replacement for Carlos Tevez. In January, Edin Dzeko joined from VFL Wolfsburg for €30M after Tevez initially claimed he wanted to leave the club, before he decided to stay for the remainder of the season.

The big Bosnian striker is a different type of player to Carlos Tevez, however his ability to find the back of the net is very similar. While at Wolfsburg he was the top goalscorer in the Bundesliga in 09/10 season when they won the league after forming a bullish partnership with Brazilian Grafite. He was then among the top goalscorers the following season as Wolfsburg struggled in mid-table before he jumped ship to Manchester City in January 2011. A stocky striker who's all about holding the ball up, laying the ball off to team mates and then finding space to unleash a finish with either foot or his head.

Considering the faith Mancini showed in Dzeko after his January move despite the striker scoring just 6 goals in all competitions for the club and only 2 in 15 Premier League games (8 starts, 7 sub), it's very likely that he may continue to keep his faith in Dzeko as the head striker at Manchester City and he may just strengthen the areas around him to provide him with sufficient ammunition to score goals. With David Silva, Mario Balotelli, Adam Johnson, Yaya Toure, James Milner already at the club in offensive positions, it's possible that a few more additions could see Dzeko start the new campaign at Manchester City's top dog.