Preview: Gunners out to show Higuain he made the wrong choice
Arsenal did not host the Emirates Cup last season, due to the fact that the Olympic Games were being held in London. Looking back on the 2011 edition of the competition, the Gunners did not do to well, forcing them to leave a better image this time around.
Their first match will be against a Napoli side that has made some significant changes in the off-season.
With the departure of Edinson Cavani to PSG, the Italian side was left to wonder what would be left of the team, without the Uruguay international. Rafa Benitez made quick work of that doubt, and brought in former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, who at one point seemed destined to sign for Arsenal.
Raul Albiol and Jose Callejon also made the move from the Bernabeu to the Stadio San Paolo, joining Benitez in his second stint in the Serie A. One other addition to the squad will be Pepe Reina, who will spend the season on loan with the Italian side from Liverpool.
The Spanish manager will take charge of a Napoli side that has been quite impressive over the years, under former manager Walter Mazzarri.
A second place finish last season will set the bar extremely high for Benitez, who only lasted a few months with Inter, having been sacked in December of 2010.
Benitez's side will be up against an Arsenal squad that he knows very well. With all his years in the Premier League, Rafa not only knows the Gunners style of play, but he also is well aware of how Wenger's side normally approaches each match.
That may not be all that beneficial for Rafa on Saturday, with Arsene Wenger's side coming into the match in good form.
Although they have not gone up against a big name club, their pre-season tour in the Far East gave Arsenal fans a glimpse of what they can expect from their side in the upcoming season. While they still may be a signing or two away from realistically challenging for the title, Arsenal fans can expect a very competitive and offensive match on Saturday.
Both sides like to get forward, although Rafa is still in the process of adapting his 4-2-3-1 formation with his new side. Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger will be hoping that in form Olivier Giroud will continue his goal scoring record, in an attempt to lift the Gunners to yet another pre-season victory.
Arsenal fans will also get the chance to see Santi Cazorla back in action after his extended break, due to his participation in the Confederations Cup with Spain. New signing Yaya Sanogo will also get his first minutes with his new side on Saturday.
Despite Rafa's advanced knowledge of Arsenal given his exposure to them and Arsene Wenger, he has not managed to defeat the Gunners at the Emirates. In a total of 18 meetings between the two sides, Rafa won four while with Liverpool, and one last season with Chelsea, all at home.
Arsene Wenger has enjoyed eight victories against Rafa, with five coming at home, and three on the road at Anfield.
Where to watch the match - live stream, start time, TV channels
Watch Arsenal vs Napoli live:
In the UK at 16:00 BST on: BT Sport 1
In the USA at 11:00 ET on: ESPN Deportes, ESPN3
For viewers in Brazil, you can follow the match on ESPN Play Latin America. All other viewers, be sure to check the match page to access the full TV schedule for this Emirates Cup match in London.
