LIVE stream: Arsenal vs Benfica - August 2, 2014 Emirates Cup TV listings

Topics: International Club Friendly, Arsenal, Benfica, Live Scores, Live Stream, TV Schedules

As Benfica look to rebound following yet another loss in a major European final, they take on a team which has surprisingly splashed more cash than they usually do in Arsenal.

Benfica has lost two Europa League finals in succession. They have presented themselves in Europe magnificently over the last two seasons nonetheless. Benfica's goal this season must be to do better in the UEFA Champions League than they did last season, especially considering they had extra motivation as the final was held in their own stadium in 2014. They will of course represent Portugal as winners of their domestic league.

Benfica takes on an Arsenal side which, following an FA Cup win last season, is filled with confidence. Arsene Wenger cuts a serene figure these days; he has smiled more than he has in the previous eight seasons already. It seems Wenger finally feels that Arsenal is ready to spend money. He has already purchased Chile and former Barcelona star, Alexis Sanchez, a highly talented player who never really settled in Spain.

He signed Mathieu Debuchy in light of the departure of Bacary Sagna. Debuchy has the experience to improve the backline of Arsenal. He has added a second keeper as well in the form of David Ospina following the departure of Lukasz Fabianski to Swansea. Some youth team stars have already departed and some members of the senior squad might yet depart. Rumors of Thomas Vermaelen's departure have now been confirmed by Wenger according to the Daily Mirror:

"Thomas Vermaelen is injured but it's a possibility that he goes and if he does we will have to replace him."

Also according to the Mirror, the manager seems satisfied with the business he has conducted this summer but could go on to make more signings before the transfer window closes:

"I'm very happy with the business."

"The bigger clubs have done their deals earlier. When one starts the others follow. But not a lot has happened since the World Cup."

"It will get busy again the last two weeks in August."