Last 30 minutes for Wilshere, Giroud or fluid-three, Spuds or Chavs win?

TotalArsenal

Image

Aaaaaaaaaaah proper football is back again! And what a good weekend of football we can look forward to. The best possible news we could have had, is that little Jack the Giant Killer is fit again. He has arrived in Norwich tonight and with the rest of the first team squad.

Jack or Santi?

Will he play or won’t he, and could he even start tomorrow? It is unlikely that Jack will start, but it could well happen. Santi played almost the entire game against France on Tuesday and might need some rest. Wenger has to consider Cazorla’s fitness as he will definitely need him in Wednesday’s all important CL game against Schalke 04. That is a must-win game for us, as a loss or even a draw would give the others a chance to catch up on us, where a win would get us close to qualification for the next round. Norwich is of course also a must-win game, so Arsene has a difficult decision to make tomorrow.

I reckon Arteta and Ramsey are a given in the starting eleven against Norwich, and it will be either Coquelin or Santi to start. If the former starts then Ramsey will probably play in the ‘hole’ position. I reckon there is still between 10-20% chance Wenger might surprise us all and starts with JW10. I go for Santi to start and JW10 to come on for the last 30 minutes or so.

Giroud or fluid-three?

Will Arsene start with Giroud again, as he did against West Ham? The extra height of Giroud will be very welcome during set-pieces; when we are attacking, as well as when we are defending. I am so pleased OG scored that goal against Spain: it is exactly what he needed and I expect him to play with a lovely lightness of being tomorrow. He came on as a late substitute, so is very fresh and yet full of confidence, which bodes well for Arsenal.

On the basis of this, I would say Giroud will start. However, a fluid three of The Ox, Gervinho and Podolski is also a strong possibility. The latter is a lot harder to defend against for Norwich. Especially Gervinho and Podolski function really well in this system with already nine goals between them in all competitions.

The Ox looked really good against SM, and his confidence seems very high at the moment. I am not sure how fit Gervinho is, but travelling to, and playing in Africa must take a bit out of him. Therefore, I reckon he will start on the bench, as we will also really need him against Schalke midweek.

I will go for Giro, The Ox and The Pod up-front tomorrow. All three are full of confidence and only played a few minutes as late substitutes during the week.

Defence

Although Big Per could probably do with a break tomorrow, I reckon Arsene will need to play him against Norwich. We need as much consistency as possible in defence at the moment, and especially in away games it is too dangerous to give the likes of Djourou – who also travelled a long way midweek – or Miquel a chance. The rest of the defence pick themselves at the moment.

My predicted formation for tomorrow is:

Manone

Jenkinson – Mertesacker – TV – Santos

Arteta – Ramsey

Cazorla (60 min) – JW10 (30)

The Ox – Giro – The Pod

Spuds or Chavs?

What is the best outcome for Arsenal? It is a no-brainer for me: Spuds to win. The gap with the Chavs is too big and we know our North-London neighbours are totally capable of giving away a lead again, however big that might be.

A lot of people believe the Chavs have a very strong team, but I am not convinced yet. It is definitely a good team, but they have not been properly tested as yet. Arsenal made it so easy for them by gifting two very soft goals at the start of each half, which meant it only became a proper game at the end of the second half. Fair enough, Chelsea did not allow us to dominate our midfield for most of the game and were able to punish us severely for our mistakes.

But Arsenal have a decent chance to do well in the PL this season and a win for us, whilst the Chavs get beaten, is just what we need tomorrow.

COYRRG!!

Total Arsenal.

46 thoughts on “Last 30 minutes for Wilshere, Giroud or fluid-three, Spuds or Chavs win?”

  • Thanks TA

    Must say, ime very excited to see Jack in the squad. Is this the begining of a new era, with a link up of Jack and Sant?. How exciting is that? I agree with your team selection. IF Gerv is to play it should be for Giro. I think were begining to see that at the highest level the guy is a forward, not a winger

    I cant agree with you about the Tottenham game. Of course, your logic is spot on, but i can never bring myself to want them to win. Believe me ive tried, especialy when we were chalanging Utd for the league, but i just couldnt do it.

    I realy want to see if a midfield trio of Jack, Santi and Mikel will work effectivly enough to push us to the title, i think it will.

  • I was pondering spuds chavs question myself. I agree totally, go spuds! if we are aiming for a title. Thats the right decision. If we are going for top four, then its different.

  • Hi Terry 🙂

    I know what you mean, but it is just a Spuds home game and we’ll catch them up very soon.

    JSM could work but the only problem is lack of height…

  • I is a liking yous Totalpeeps, yous is likers my fave footballer Demis Burgerkamp from the Neverlands, not that bast Mikel Jacksonpaed place, but the country and yous knows your footers.
    I is not a sure on the tacky stuff, my tacky stuff is kebab meat formations innit.
    As for thems bloody little malteezer testis down the road, I ate them basts, Blimey ,I cant even bring my north and south to utter their bloody name……..T…t..t…t….no cant do it peeps, I`d rather spit on me donna.
    Anyways, sees yous at the ems and donna forgets peeps, say the secret pass word ( arisTotal ) for 20% off a burger ( only the finest meats sent from uncle achilles goat farm on Crete, cus jason brings it through the customs sealed in his pants after a two week boat trip , so its well matured ! ) on match days.
    Up the Arse !.

  • Hi Total 🙂
    I think your way out with the selections there……………………..your getting your `lopadous`es mixed up !……..Stiffy is Floppy`s cousin ! hahaha

  • I disagree with you..
    Cozorla must rest and Arshavin in..
    We know he is good in that position..

    Mertesacker have a very hard time last week again Sweden.. 4 goals in 30 minutes left is very shocking for every defender.. so give some rest too.. he need that..
    Koscielny in other hand used tobe excellent after a bad game before..
    I just wondering if Jenkinson playing as a DM..
    He is tall and strong.. Maybe someday.. hehe.

    Is Gibbs injured?
    Maybe Santos can have his way now..
    He must prove it tobe as good as Gibbs..

    And I think Martinez should been given a chance also.. I think he is better than Mannone..
    Sagna also.. he is fit to play..
    Wilshere to replace Ramsey or Arshavin in secondhalf.

    So my team are :
    Martinez
    Sagna – Jenkinson – Koscielny – Santos
    Arteta – Arshavin – Ramsey
    AOC – Giroud – Podolski

    And for Spurs-Chelsea draw is better for us..
    None of them should win..

    Go Gunners

  • Hi Henry 🙂

    Yes Arshavin could play in Cazorla’s position but a) Wenger never lets him play there and b) he has not got the stamina/ does not work hard enough in that role.

    Jenkinson in a CB role is new to me and I don’t think that is a goer. I reckon we’ll play Mertesacker simply for the necessary consistency. Gibbs is injured yes, so Santos gets a chance. Koscielny is also out injured.

    Good to see we at least agree on the strike-force hahaha 🙂

  • And Henry definitely a Chelsea loss for me. There are two teams who are still unbeaten: Chelsea and Man City and we need to protect our Invincibles status, so the sooner they lose the better! 🙂

  • You wakeup so early.. hehe..

    I get your massage..
    And Chelsea never win at spurs also..
    But what will spud fans think if they win tonight.. and we lost again the same team..

    So for me spud, ches, mu, city all draw and we win.. hehe..

  • No brainier for me, Chelsea must lose today. Arsenal have to be looking towards the top.

    As for the team? I have no idea who Wenger is going to select. One thing is for sure, I feel much more comfortable about the situation than I did this time last season as we have more than adequate replacements to come in all round.

  • Hope you enjoyed my massage Henry hehehehe 🙂

    I can see your point about a draw as both teams lose two points. I would like to see the Chavs’ bubble properly burst this afternoon. BOOOM! 😆

  • Morning Victorious 🙂

    Fully agreed. What a difference from last season! An away game after a long interlull is always tricky and the team will get another test today. Let’s hope they pass it. 🙂

  • hehe.. Do I say massage.. hahaha..

    Yes.. I wish no one win.. so they lose two points each..
    We are 7 points behind Chelsea and 2 points behind Spurs..

    But We still can chase Chelsea even if they win..
    They will have a hard situation for the rest 8 games ahead till november..
    MU, City, WBA, Fulham, Liverpool and Swansea are ready to knock them down..
    And I guess they will lose a lot of points.. Not more than 14 points (from 7 games)

    But I don’t really worry if Spurs win also..
    For I am very much confident that they will lose to City and Us in November.. hehe..

    Let’s wish the best for Arsenal..
    Go Gunners..

  • Morning TA 🙂

    All sorts of mayhem here, but hope to be around later! Love the Post, and your opinions are always worthwhile reflecting on.

    I think the Santi/Jack switch could be right based on given our cheeky little Spaniard a break.
    In the future, and I am not sure how Arsene does it, I think they will play together.

    Spuds/Chavs? Horrible choice, the head says Spurs to win, just to rein Chelsea in as they have had a great start, but I would probably accept a draw — just cannot agree with a Spuds 3 pointer, because of personal prejudice!!! 🙂

  • Morning all. Just chilling trying to pick out a winning bet today, waiting patiently for our test away to Norwich. Not easy, but no game is easy in the premiership, but play with a fast tempo and we should over come the Canaries. I think Wenger may ring some changes today.

    Love the victorious tag Total.

  • Henry 🙂
    ]
    Was just a little joke and I reckon your English is both impressive and improving all the time. That list of games for the Chavs is impressive and I agree with you they are likely to lose many points in the next few weeks, but but but but they need to lose today. A draw would not be a bad outcome though! 🙂

    Morning RA 🙂

    Yes they are likely to play together soon. Jack can return to his old role and would be a great Lynchpin! I know about the head and the heart, but my heart does not like the Chavs any much less than the Spuds.

    Good point mr Victorious: a fast tempo whilst remaining organised at the back is key today. We need to be up for this big style. I am pretty confident that my predicted starting-11 is near the mark. 🙂

  • You lucky boy Total. Have a great time. Give em a cheer from me please.

    My prediction is 3-0 to the good guys.

  • Firstly I’d like to say thank you for the great post yesterday RA. I’ve always had a love for Physics. Especially the ‘irresistible force paradox.’

    Once Arsene said ‘My player Bergkamp is so bloody good!’ When asked just how good Burgerkamp (Brilliant GLIC!) was, Arsene said ‘he is that good that he could pierce any defense, and score against any keeper!’ Then Arsene was asked how good his keeper is, he said ‘Seaman is that bloody fantastic that he can defend any strike, no matter what he can not be penetrated (easy boys!)’ Then one person asked Arsene ‘what would happen if he were to take Bergkamp and strike a ball against Seaman?’ Arsene could not answer. It is the great Arsenal paradox!

    @ TA

    great post. Too soon for Jack, but then again I don’t see what the trainers see so who knows, i honestly wouldn’t be surprised! All I’m worried about is that lug of a striker Holt! The two defenders we play must be on their toes, and feeling extra springy because he is a handful.

    As for scum vs scum, i agree I don’t rate chelsea. So I’m all for the tear each other apart, rock’em sock’em style which leads to red cards, injuries, and ultimately a draw!

    I hope everyone attending the game enjoys it (lucky so and so’s), some of us had to stay up until 2.30 am, I might need a koala nap before hand actually!

  • @ Henry

    Jenks as a CB, what have you been drinking up there? Whatever it is i’ll have some!

  • Will do Victorious! 🙂

    Ozzy, the great Arsenal paradox – love it! 🙂

    Yes our defenders need to be on their toes; both Grant and Morrison are good in the air. That’s why it is almost a given Giroud will play today.

    Enjoy your ‘koala nap’ – souds lovely – and then the boys will do you proud!

  • Totalpeeps, yous lucky bast !, hopes you have a greatest game and the Arse win.
    Also Totalpeeps, while yous is there, can yous sort me outs a container loads of them canaries, as I is thinks of branches out into canarie burgers as I hear theys go cheap !

    Up the Arse

  • Well, happy to see the Spuds lose of course, but unhappy to see the Chavs taking a 10 point lead. We definitely need a win now. The Spuds gave that one away today. Tactically a very weak performance by the swamp dwellers.

  • You see.. Chelsea is really great this season..
    I afraid the will not lose untill we do our vegeance..
    Just hope they slip and draw 3 times again MU, city and wba..
    But that means we must win all games left.. till january break.. and that according MU..

    Go gunners..

  • Today we saw why RVP left.
    As bad as people think Le Grove is, at least they don’t pretend that Mr Wenger is a tactical genius!
    Corporate Arsenal PLC strikes again. Is this still a club worthy of our passionate undying support? Big club? Big laughing-stock who never fail to play into the critics hands.

  • Hi Herb
    They say one man doesn`t make a team, but as I have previously said, taking the money for RVP was/is a mistake. I honestly think, with the signing`s we made ( although I`m still out on Pod` ) keeping RVP would have made a great difference, a difference worth more than the £20m or so we recieved, it will come back to bite !
    Having said that, I will be happy if CL qualification is gained for the next few years and then hopefully a level playing field then follows on .

  • Hi GliC,
    for me the club’s whole philosophy is wrong.
    We’re not set up to challenge for major honours, we are carrying far too many mercenaries, and even if the goal wasn’t Mannone’s fault, our goalkeeping situation reeks of an amateur attitude.
    Why should we settle for CL qualification? Is that what our ambition has been watered down to?
    With the current regime, it’ll be a long long time before we’re winning major honours.
    The club needs a major root and branch over-haul, and that includes the manager.

  • Herb
    As I have said on AA, can we really expect to compete at this moment in time with the money that City and Chavs have spent ?. Only Usmanov buying out Kroenke will bring such money , but even then how will he get it past FFP ?
    I ask you this, who out there is better than Arsene ?. Who would you like to see take the job and how long would you give them to be successfull and how do you think we can overcome the wealth of the other big clubs ?

  • GliC,
    we have bucket-loads of money, more than Abramovich. Kroenke owns Wallmart and various other sports franchises across the pond.
    The difference is, Abramovich isn’t scared to speculate, and isn’t in it for a fat profit.
    It made me sick hearing Chelsea fans crowing about being European Champions, but that’s what you get when you invest properly in your playing squad, instead of buying players no other top club even bothers looking at, such as Gervinho, Walcott, Giroud, Arshavin, not getting a world-class goalkeeper, and carrying injured players for far too many years like Diaby and Rosicky.
    FFP is a convenient excuse to justify Silent Stan making profit and not investing. Business before football, which is why we made a profit on our transfer dealings (again!), instead of putting a side together capable of competing with the world’s best, as we were promised in 2006.
    Manager? David Moyes, two-year contract.

  • Herb
    I fear I am out of my depth in trying to explain the financial side of Arsenal any further. I am sure someone of Redders/TMHT expert financial knowledge would make more of a convincing point than me.
    Isn`t Moyes doing the same sort of great job as Arsene , but at a different level and woudn`t he come across the same problems as Arsene if he replaced him ?
    All I know is that City and Chavs spent a lot of money over the years and basically bought their trophy`s. Yes, I should imagine Arsenal would have won some trophy`s aswell, given the money, but how can you spend what you dont have ?. As far as I know, Kroenke doesn`t own all the club ( correct me if I`m wrong ) like the CIty and Chav owners do ( outright ). As I said, it`s all above my head, Redders , Stretch help ! . hahaha

  • What concerns me just as much GliC, is that good, intelligent people have been hypnotised and brain-washed into believing that it’s exciting to watch.
    For a club of our history and stature it is embarrassing, and that’s the politest I can be.

  • Herb
    I didn`t see todays game, although I am told we were pants and I dont mean Calvin Kline quality ! hahaha
    I do think we have played well in all the other games though and may count ourselves a bit unfortunate but yes, after recently watching some vids of the invincibles, it`s well below that quality and in truth, off hand only a future Jack and Santi would get in the reckoning for a starting place.
    We have to believe it will get better and that the money spent by the Chavs and City will eventually be brought to a stop.

  • I don’t need the finances explaining to me, City and Chelsea’s owners invest in their clubs because they want to win.
    We’re not that bothered about on-field success, so we don’t invest in case it seeps into Silent Stan’s profit. Has Stan been to any of our games this season?
    Your point about Moyes doing a similar job to Mr Wenger – do you think Moyes would have any problems motivating lazy mercenaries? Moyes wouldn’t tolerate the attitude our players are allowed to exhibit, and half of them wouldn’t be at the club.
    How many more ways can you defend a losing mentality?

  • Herb
    I`m now on the New post page , I`ve just come back in time to tell you !. Right back to the future ! hahaha

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *