The first Emirates Cup takes place between Saturday 28 July and Sunday 29 July 2007 and features four teams: hosts Arsenal, Serie A champions Inter Milan, Valencia and Paris St. Germain.

The tournament emulates the Amsterdam Tournament somewhat in that it awards a point for every goal scored, as well as the usual three points for a win and one for a draw.

Arsenal 
The first of two similar tournaments in-demand Arsenal are participating in as they also enter the Amsterdam Tournament a mere four days after the Emirates Cup ends. New signings Eduardo Da Silva and Bakari Sagna are expected to feature prominently over the two days and the Emirates Cup will give Gunners fans a chance to see many of the prominsing young players who reached the Carling Cup final last season. Arsenal will welcome back former players Patrick Vieria, now at Inter and Edu, who now plays for Valencia.

Inter Milan
Inter Milan could be the team to watch during the tournament after they stormed to the Serie A title last season. Roberto Mancini’s side went on a record-breaking run of 17 straight victories and they could rack up the points with one being awarded for every goal scored. Inter have Hernan Crespo on loan for another season from Chelsea and he competes for a place in a forward line which has Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Adriano, Alvaro Recoba, Julio Cruz and new signing from Cagliari Davud Suazo at its disposal.

Paris St. Germain
Paris St. Germain endured a poor domestic campaign last season with them in danger of being relegated at one stage. However, they fought back well during the latter stages of the season and seven points in their last four matches ensured a 15th placed finish, nine points clear of the drop zone. Paul Le Guen’s side will not be given much of a chance in the tournament against the likes of Arsenal and Valencia, but in Pedro Pauleta they have a dangerous option in attack. The veteran Portuguese striker finished as top goal scorer in Ligue One for the second season running.

Valencia
Valencia finished fourth in La Liga last season, 10 points adrift of champions Real Madrid. They qualify for the Champiosn League and the Emirates Cup will give them sound preparation against European opposition. Valencia signed two new strikers in the summer: Spain cap Angel Arizmendi from Atletico Madrid and Juan Mata joined from Real Madrid Castilla. Veteran Roberto Ayala has joined Real Zaragoza but a like-for-like replacement in Real Madrid stalwart Ivan Helguera arrived to fill the gap in central defence.

Schedule

Saturday 28 July 2007

Inter Milan 2.15 (Extrabet - £25 in Free Bets!)
Draw 3.3 (Ladbrokes - £20 in Free Bets!)
Valencia 3.5 (Sporting Odds - £100 in Free Bets!)

Arsenal 1.62 (Paddy Power - £25 in Free Bets!)
Draw 3.61 (Extrabet - £25 in Free Bets!)
Paris St. Germain 5.5 (Coral - £10 in Free Bets!)