Pre-season: Emirates Cup 2013 weekend

This Saturday sees the return of the Emirates Cup (Aug 3 and 4) and I feel I've made a good decision in picking up a couple of tickets for the opening day. This tournament will be the sixth Emirates Cup, making a return after last year's break.

The cheapest tickets at £25.00 were all gone but I managed to pick a couple at £29.00 instead. Still a bargain mind, being able to watch two games in Galatasary v Porto and Arsenal v Napoli for that price. It is a great way to see some much missed live football, in preparation for the new season.

Arsenal have already won the tournament three times in its short history and, as I hate to say it, I might be seeing them play in this tournament (albeit a friendly one) where they end up lifting a trophy come Sunday afternoon!

I look forward to seeing a mix of the reserves and first team in action after their busy pre-season tour of Asia, of which I saw some promising and rusty football on show but that's pre-season I guess.

Arsenal beat Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1 in a hard-fought win, concluding their pre-season tour of Asia

I'll say I'm a little frustrated at the lack of movement in the transfer window, as any deals to be done should preferably be completed nearer the start of the transfer window opening. As the new season draws closer, there are fewer chances for any new signings to gel with the squad, but there may be one opportunity for a certain new boy to shine this weekend. Young French striker Yay Sanogo is the only new Wenger recruit and I'd hope he will give him a chance to meet the Arsenal crowd on Saturday.

I'm also excited for the new away strip. Playing in yellow reminds me of the days of Brady and co, and more recently the 2003-04 season, and we all know what happened there. I don't do superstition and all that but it looks nice at least!

Anyhow...whatever happens, I feel the prices on offer for two games of Arsenal's very own pre-season tournament is a great offer for those fans who want to see a show before the real thing begins, especially if seeing Arsenal live comes few and far between every season.

Of course, the tournament probably won't reflect Arsenal's forthcoming season, and though it's only pre-season, I hope they end up top of the table.

17 days and counting!...

The away kit launch,
 www.arsenal.com