What would we do during the dark, wet and windy, autumnal months without the prospect of top European football clashes involving the Mighty Arsenal?!
Football does not get much better than this. I cannot wait to see our red and white shirts take on the blue shirts of Schalke, on an immaculate, green pitch at the home of football, tonight. European football nights have always been special to me. I have fond memories all the way back to the late seventies and early eighties of cycling home from school with an incredible spring in my step, because that night there would be live footie on TV.
Some of the best European matches are often played at this stage of the CL-tournament, and tonight’s game against Schalke 04 promises to be a game of real quality – just like last year’s clash with Borussia Dortmund at THOF was a real treat for us all.
As I wrote yesterday, Schalke are a well-organised and strongly disciplined team, and will be well-drilled and prepared for tonight’s clash with Arsenal. They are likely to pressure us high up the pitch but will also be happy to soak up pressure; and they will be very dangerous on the counter, as they can make quick switchovers from the moment they gain possession – as Dortmund experienced so painfully at the weekend (they are as bitter rivals as we are with the Spuds).
Schalke will use their fast wingers on either side, but also make good runs through the middle, so Arsenal need to make sure not to lose possession cheaply, as they have the weapons to kill us on the counter; especially as we like to play with a high-line.
Our FB’s, Jenkinson and Santos (most likely) will get properly tested and they will need constant support from our wingers. However, the service needs to be reciprocated, as the wingers also need the support of the FB’s; if they are to get round the Schalke’s well-drilled defensive lines.
This brings us to two key selection conundrums: who is going to play on the wings, and which wing-FB pairs will be best tonight? The answers to these questions are linked to who we are going to play up-front: Giroud, Gervinho, or even, Podolski. The combination of the Pod left, Giroud in the middle, and the Swerve on the right, did not work at all on Saturday, and I am going to swim against the stream of most blogs today, and say we are not going to play with those three up-front tonight.
My gut-feeling is we will start Podolski on the left, Gervinho in the middle and Gnabry on the right, as this ‘fluid-three’ strike-force has worked really well for us, and the young German looks like a good replacement for The Ox or Theo, who are unfortunately unavailable tonight.
Another option is to put the Pod on the bench (he still is not 100% fit apparently), and play Gervinho on the left, Giroud in the middle, and Gnabry on the right. I reckon we are most likely to play Podolski because of his German footie experience, but I cannot see us start with both the Pod and OG tonight.
I am pretty confident that Gnabry will get to play on the right tonight, but it might not be as a starter. I would also not be surprised if we see Coquelin make an appearance on the right, or possibly Ramsey, with Coquelin playing next to Arteta in the middle.
Koscielny is apparently fit again but is unlikely to start. The other key selection conundrum is whether we should play Santos on the left. For me, he is the sort of player who needs to play regularly to get the best out of him, and once he gets going he is a good asset to have.
But we are missing Gibbs as he combines so well, and so naturally, with Podolski on the left. If Arsene wants to go save defensively, he could go for Jenkinson-Mert-Koz-TV, but this is unlikely to happen, and I think Santos will get another game, however risky this might turn out to be against the speed-merchants on the German wings.
The last area of concern is who is going to play between Arteta and Cazorla. This is a vital role and Ramsey struggled to make a real difference against Norwich. Diaby is still injured and Jack is apparently scheduled to play against QPR, so there are not many options for Arsene. It will have to be either Coquelin or Ramsey. Ramsey is the more experienced and often does well for Arsenal in European games, so it will probably be him.
Personally, I would go for 4-5-1 tonight, as that would give us a good chance to boss the midfield and prevent loss of possession as much as possible:
Mannone
Jenk-Mert-Koz-Santos
Coquelin-Arteta-Ramsey-Cazorla-Gervinho
Podolski
But Arsene is most likely to stick to 4-3-3, and on the basis of above mentioned conundrums, I reckon Arsene will go for:
Mannone
Jenk-Mert-Koz-Santos
Arteta-Ramsey(Coquelin)*
Cazorla
Gnabry(Ramsey)* – Gervinho – Podolski
* If Ramsey plays on the right wing, than Coquelin will play next to Arteta and Gnabry will be on the bench.
I hope we will not play with too high a defensive line, and that TV and Santos are fully focussed and can work in tandem to ensure a strong defence on our left. I am also hoping the wings work a lot better tonight, and that Cazorla will get plenty of support from either Ramsey or Coquelin – whoever plays tonight. Finally, I hope we will see far better movement around, and especially in the box, so Cazorla and co can create first-class chances for us again.
Obviously, we need to play at a high tempo if we want to trouble Schalke tonight, but also remain focussed and (defensively) disciplined throughout the game. I am going to keep a close eye on both Vermaelen and Mertesacker to see who is organising and leading the team tonight.
The big advantage Arsenal have, is their vast European CL-experience compared to Schalke and this combined with needing to bounce back, and playing at home, should help us to end up victorious tonight.
Of course we are all totally focussed on getting three points tonight, but let’s enjoy the ride. Tactically and technically this promises to be a very fine exhibition of football, and we will have to give our all to claim the three points.
Make sure your beers are extra cold and get yourself some quality pretzels: this is what we live for fellow Gooners. 🙂 😛 😀
Come on you Rip-Roaring Gunners!
Total Arsenal.
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Bergkampesque 
It`s ok Total, I have left a message on the last post, to say ,New Post !. hahaha
Your quality never slackens. I`m rubbish at the tactical stuff, I prefer the, ten players running together with the ball tactic just like on that Harry Enfield 1930`s Arsenal video !. hahaha
I saw that GLiC, thanks! 🙂
Never seen that video: is it any good (typing with one hand whilst hoovering ferociously with the other!) 😛
Total, go back in time. I put it on site for Herb @ 10/21/2012 , 20:39
Absolutely top notch Post TA!! 🙂
Like you i would really miss our European adventures every season, while everyone not involved has to tough it out. Long may Arsene provide us with this sort of spectacle.
Just in case anyone missed the New Post call given by you and the Glic man — I had the last shout!!! 🙂
My own instincts are that AW might change to a European style of 4:3:2:1.
Gerv at the centre, Gnabry and Pod behind him, with Cazzor, Rambo, Le Coq driving on behind them, and then the usual suspects in Corp Jenks, Per, TV, and Gibbs (Santos if Gibbs is still hors de combat).
On the other hand he might revert to his tried and tested 4:3:3.
Who knows? That’s why I do not often speculate on formations!! 🙂
Are you sure about that last shout Redders ? hahaha
I`m going for a 30 minute treadmill run, so dont be going back to the last post Redders !. hahaha
That’s the Christmas tree formation – very seasonal! 😛
Not a bad idea Redders. Cazzor a bit deeper could help with being more solid in midfield. We might be vulnerable of the wings though.
Happy times on the treadmill GLiC. 😉
cheers for the great pre-match TA.
I think it’ll be stock standard 4-3-3 with the usual suspects (Arsene doesn’t pull a rabbit out of the hat often, except against Man U e.g Ramsey, Szcz, Coquelin, Song as CB).
Personally i’d like to see:
Mannone
jenks-bfg-verm-miquel
——coq—-arteta——
———–santi———–
gerv—-giroud—ramsey
Good to give Podolski a breather so he can heal up.
That’s a good shout, Oz. 🙂
I thought he might rest Arteta, but I am probably wrong — again.
cheers RA. Nah Arteta can have a rest when Jack is ready to go or the next international break haha. He’s a veteran now so he should know what he needs to do to get himself right for every match.
Enjoy the next few hours everyone, time to get a rest in before game time. come on Arsenal!!!
Hi Oz, did you mean Gerv on the right and Rambo on the left or the other way round?
Anyway, have a good rest although I don’t think you’ll sleep much!
Good Post TA.
I read your post the other day about why Pod-Giro-Gerv didn’t work at Norwich and, with that in mind, I hope you’re right about AW mixing it up tonight.
But we all know what a stubborn beggar he is, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he started with an identical line-up to the Norwich game.
If he does change things around, I can’t see him giving a start to young Serge Gainsbourg (je t’aime 🙂 ). More likely it would be Gerv up the middle, Pod on the left and Arsh on the right.
TA,
I have only just got around to telling everyone who has not seen it, but WG (Wigan Gooner) had an article put on the front page of Arsenal.com on Monday 22nd Oct.
It was a critique of the Norwich game, and if you have not already seen it you will be pleased for him!! 🙂
There is a rumour ( strong ?) running about, that because of the appointment of Simon Lilley as new Head of Retail and with his strong relationship with Adidas, that Adidas will be our next kit sponsor in 2014. There is also a rumour that Arsenal might buy out the rest of the Nike deal to get Adidas on board earlier ( Chavs did something similar ).
I personally wouldn`t like Adidas as a sponsor for the simple reason that it ruins our shirt with 3 lines down the sleeves , it messes up our iconic designed kit.
Saying that, I would have no gripe if the alleged sponsorship vastly topped the Nike one in the money stakes. In fact , Al Qaeda can sponsor us if they can top the combined deals of the two Manclunges and Chavs. I`d probably feel safer in the Stadium aswell !.
GLiC
I think Al Qaeda already sponsor Man Citeh, so they’ve got no dosh left for us 🙂
The Bastards ! hahaha
How come I had a star after my name ? hehehe
Rocky
The Bastards ! hahaha
GLiC cos your a star in everyones eyes.
Hi Rocky. Any news on when you are likely to make it across the pond next?
GLiC, you are pleasantly bonkers 😛
Hi Rocky, It really did not work at all against Norwich. Gerv and Pod both play best on the left and Pod and Giroud are both CF’s, although Pod can play on the left, as we all know. I felt we were lop-sided and one-dimensional. But you are right, Arsene does not change quickly and most blogs are predicting no change in the front three tonight.
Hi RA, I will look at WG’s Arsenal.com post up, thanks amigo tinto.
GLiC, interesting stuff re Adidas sponsoring. Agreed on both the shirt and the dosh. I grew up wanting to wear Adidas sportswear but my parents usually bought me the cheaper stuff if any at all. 😦
Here is the link to WG article on Arsenal.com:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/45461/talking-heads-norwich-city-v-arsenal
Howdy VCC
Hoping to be over in December (I’ve penciled the West Brom home game as a target!).
It would be great to meet up with you and some more my regular blog friends.
I’ve met Peaches, Rasp, Chas, GiE, Evonne and Irish – all great folks to share a beer with and a natter about the Mighty Arse.
Cold Beer and qulaity pretzels…lol
Other than that (!) a very enjoyable read..as always.
I think we’ll deffo see Ramsey and Le Coq tonight. Its just too big a game to drop Gnabry into…in my humble opinion
Hey Sharkster 🙂
What is wrong with beer ad pretzels?! 😕
You are probably right re Gnabry, but if there is a position were a young talent can express himself it is on one of the wings, and with Jenkinson we have a safe pair of hands in RB. It would help us to get back our natural shape and style of play….was my thinking.
Rocky. Ditto. Hopefully a Peroni or two.
According to Football Talk, this is the confirmed line-up:
Arsenal Team
Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Coquelin, Arteta, Cazorla, Ramsey, Podolski, Gervinho.
SUBS: Shea, Koscielny, Giroud, Djourou, Arshavin, Chamakh, Gnabry.
Schalke Team
Oswald, Höwedes, Holtby, Afellayy, Höger, Farán, Uchida, Fuchs, Huntlelaar, Matip, Neustädter.
VCC
I’m not averse to a Peroni, but a bit more of a London Pride man.
I heard they were a penetrating team, but Uchida Fuchs Huntelaar !, I hope it was in the dressing room as there will be children watching tonight !. Dirty Fuchers !.
Hahaha GLiC 😆
Total, so when you were younger, did anyone notice you wearing ALDIdas instead of Adidas ! hahaha
It was Adihash actually 🙂
I like Adidas, cos I always used to play 5-a-side in those black Adidas trainers with the three white stripes. Went through about 15 pairs over the years.
Possibly not a sufficient reason on which to base one of the biggest commercial decisions in the club’s history, but hey ho – at least I tried to help 🙂
Rocky, is David Rocastle not wearing an Adidas Arsenal shirt in your avatar picture?
Rocky, your lucky to afford them, poor old Total was given black plimsol`s and some sticky white insulating tape !.
Or was it white chalk Total ? hahaha
It was not that bad GLiC, we usually got sportswear branded ‘Pony’ – the name says it all….
http://www.pony.com/
Right I am offsky to the pubsky as we don’t have Sky Sports four (just one and two) 😦
Catch you later after the game. The brain says 1-1, the heart is with Rocky!
hahaha That is ” Pony” of the highest order !
And I`m off to behind the sofa ! hahaha
Glic
Afford them? I used to try them on in the shop then do a runner 🙂
TA
Yes – it is indeed an Adidas shirt.
I will just say this: What a limp, pathetic and life-less club our owners have allowed our great club to become. They are cowards who are stealing money.
Goodnight all.
I am well pissed off !. Apparently, I cant bring my sofa into the stadium against QPR !.
Right, early start, so early night.
Sweet dreams gooners.
GLiC – take plenty of sweets mate; you are going to need them. 😦
Evening fellow Gooners and goodnight Herb
Aaaaaah that was disappointing again! 😕
There is a lot I would like to say but I am going to sleep a night over it. Today’s performance did not come as a big surprise and I feel the issues that I’ve highlighted since the Norwich game all resurfaced tonight, and remain unresolved for the time being.
It is only fair to compliment Schalke for a fine tactical display and a well-deserved win.
Herb…..I think I will be joining your army tomorrow.
That was so dismal I can’t bring myself to comment. Oh ….wait a minute, maybe one thing before I retire, everybody to a man in my local says take Santos off at half time, and what happens, Jenkinson, the opposite full back, who appears full of running, gets taken off?????? When is/will these inept performances going to end.
trust me total it doesn’t get any better in the morning (granted it was only 3 hours ago but still). I haven’t been this angry after a game in a long while. What on earth has happened to the team that was all guns blazing a few weeks ago? Yes we have injuries but the people on the field are still great players.
How is it that the last two games Gnarby has showed the most enthusiasm?! Yes he is young and has something to prove but everyone should be that pumped. I could not sleep at night knowing pieces of sh*t like nasri and rvp are in other teams winning while we are lethargic at best.
They should be forced to go back out on the pitch and do repeated sprints until Bould is satisfied!
Morning TA,
I hope to be around this afternoon, but am very negative feeling today.
Laters.
Good morning to you Redders,
I am feeling slightly better than you. Post will come out in next 30 minutes, and would be good to chat with you later on. 🙂
You are a good man, oh mighty Pen Wielder!! 🙂
In the words of The Terminator, “I vill be beck!” — well it seems he was Austrian!! 🙂
😛