Arsenal will open the Emirates Cup this weekend against Napoli.
The English club hosts the tournament annually as a preseason warm-up and has won it three times since its initiation back in 2007. The club had won the 2010 and 2011 versions before losing in 2012 to the New York Red Bulls.
"We missed it last year," Arsenal's Jack Wilshere told the team's website. "It seemed like something was missing from pre-season. "It's a good cup and the fans love it. It's a chance to lift a trophy too and there are always good teams there. You get that good block of pre-season in and you build your fitness up ready for that.
"We've got Napoli and Galatasaray this year so it's going to be a test. That's when you really up your fitness."
The tournament features four clubs and only two matches for each team. Teams earn three points per win and also earn a point for every goal scored. Goal differential and shots on target count as tie breakers.
Arsenal has made headlines for its intense pursuit of Luis Suarez. Manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that his club is still hoping to land the player despite opposition from Liverpool.
"I don't want to speak about Suarez, because that is between Liverpool and Arsenal. We will completely respect what Liverpool wants to do. We want to (sign the player) if it is feasible in an amicable way," Wenger said. "I am a great believer you have to keep as much confidentiality as possible, which is quite difficult in the modern world.
"But we work very hard, not only on the case you name, but on other different cases.''
Meanwhile Napoli has landed Gonzalo Higuain and Pepe Reina this offseason.
Prediction: Napoli wins 2-1.
Start Time: 11 AM EST
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