International Champions Cup: Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal (match preview)

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal is a repeat of the Uefa cup semi final fixture that saw Atletico go through on aggregate of 2-1 after both legs. Unai Emery, Arsenal’s new manager would be looking to take the emirate outfit on a successful outing in Singapore as they take on their Spanish opposition.

Atletico Madrid

Arguably the third best team in Spain’s top flight league. Atletico madrids manager, Diego Simeone took everyone by surprise as he handed them the 2014 Spanish title. They happen to be the only other team to win the league asides Real Madrid and Barcelona since 2004. Another outstanding feat recorded was their appearance in two finals of the champion’s league, in a space of three years. Arch rivals and fellow Spanish team Real Madrid defeated them on both occasions.
Seeing Real Madrid lose its legend and highest all-time scorer Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus over the summer. This might just be their big break after finishing second behind league winners Barcelona. With a bit of luck, it would not be a surprise if they do pick a silverware this season.
The summer saw them bring in Thomas Lemar and Rodri splashing out a whopping £90 million. They also managed to keep their star players at the club. Nevertheless, this game would not be seeing a lot of stars in action as Antione Griezmann, Lucas Hernandez and Vraslko are all absent. Thus making Atletico Madrid the weaker of the two sides in this encounter.

ARSENAL

The north London team looks the more formidable of both teams as they have come into this with a strong team. New Manager Unai Emery has a good number of first team players available at his disposal with Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Pierre Aubameyang, and Alexander Lacazette all set to feature. New signings Lucas Torreira and Stephan Lichsteiner are the notable absentees.
This is the first real test for the new manager although he was in charge of the game earlier this month. Arsenal were victorious 8-0 Against Boreham wood, but even for friendly matches there are different prospects. The fans would not be looking to take the result of this game seriously, but the new manager definitely would. As he would be looking to get off on a good start for the new EPL season which kicks off very soon.

HEAD TO HEAD

Arsenal and Atletico madric have had three meetings, with the most recent seeing Atletico come out victorious. They won on an aggregate of 2-1 and went on to win the Europa cup.

PICk

Over 2.5 Goals

REASON

Generally arsenal look really confident going into this one with most of the first team players available to join the starting lineup. Although this is a friendly game, the north London team would be looking to avenge that Europa cup defeat. The gunners have won six of their eight friendlies played during pre-season. While Atletico Madrid have been victorious on five occasions out of nine.
Star player Fernando Torres has also departed the la liga outfit.