In-Depth Emirates Cup Preview Of All Four Teams: Arsenal, Lyon, Wolfsburg, Villarreal

Wolfsburg

Perhaps the team that could surprise us all, as the new boys of this weekends tournament look to cause an upset.

Embed from Getty Images

• Saturday 25th: Wolfsburg v Villarreal (14.00)
• Sunday 26th:   Wolfsburg v Arsenal (16.20)

Team News

There is doubt as to whether former Arsenal striker, Nicklas Bendtner will be a part of this weekends squad following recent allegations in a recent press conference.

Wolfsburg management confirmed that the Danish forward needs to improve his fitness levels after stating “he is clearly lagging behind”.

Other than that, Wolfsburg have a fully fit squad to face their first Emirates Cup weekend which will ensure they have plenty of options on the bench.

Player To Watch: Bas Dost

The Wolfsburg forward was pivotal to his sides second place finish in the Bundesliga last season, as they scared off competition from Bayer Leverkusen and Ausburg.

Embed from Getty Images

Playing as a solo striker for the majority of the 2014/15 campaign, Dost picked up 18 goals in all competitions as he relished the opportunity to challenge Nicklas Bendtner.

This weekend we can be sure to see Dost in action again, and Wolfsburg will push forward on the final day when they come up against the Gunners.

Having the likes of Andre Schurle and Kevin de Bruyne on the wings will be crucial for the German side, and Bost will be rubbing his hands at the thought of troubling Per Mertesacker in the air.

What Can We Expect From Them?

Wolfsburg have often been seen as a team that underachieve in recent years, but this weekend provides an opportunity to show English fans exactly what they’re all about.

Having the attacking set-up like theres is enough reason to presume they will test the limitations of an Arsenal defence, and this will be the livelier of the two Gunners fixtures.

For those reasons, we are likely to see a partnership of Chambers an Koscielny which will allow Arsene Wenger to play a high-line, leaving Wolfsburg liable to offsides.

This could well be the deciding game for who takes home the trophy, and Wolfsburg won’t be sitting off as they continue to stake a claim for their new style of play.

As much as we’d like to see a full 90 minutes from Bendtner, the striker will be liable to showing off back at his old club, and therefore stop Wolfsburg from pushing on up top. Click the next page number below to see Villarreal’s preview.