Arsenal will face Palace at home at a perfect time. We are in need of points as we have just dropped to second place and this fixture lines up with ManchesterCity vs Chelsea (the two teams close to us in the table). Ideally, they will draw and both drop points, giving us the task of just picking up the win to take back first spot.
We face a fairly weak Palace side at home. We are unbeaten in our last ten home games, seven of those in the Premier League. Arsenal should theoretically be able to pick up the points and hopefully go back to the top of the league.
This fixture last time:
Last time this fixture was played, we had a very shaky game before Giroud sealed it in the dying minutes (1-0). We didn’t outplay them, and we should be wary of any team managed by Tony Pulis, as we always seem to struggle against them.
Line-up:
I expect Wenger to use this DM injury crisis to give Ox his chance to prove himself in the middle.
Other than that, I see very few changes occurring. Wenger doesn’t like many changes in between games. He’d rather rotate one, maybe two players. So I expect Gibbs and Ox to come in and not much else to change. This is a team that definitely should beat Palace by two or three goals.
Key Battles:
Giroud vs Crystal Palace:
CrystalPalace is managed by Tony Pulis. That means they are a very defensive team and will not concede much. Giroud will have to take on all 11 of Palace’s defenders to put a goal by them.
Ozil vs himself:
Ozil has struggled to replicate some of his incredible Real Madrid performances this season. However, last game he really began looking like his old self. I think he’s finally settling into the league and will soon be at his best. The game against Palace would be an excellent place to start.
Podolski vs Wenger:
Ever since arriving, Wenger seems reluctant to start Poldi and/or play him for a full game. However, he has looked hungrier than ever lately and this would be the game to show Wenger he can take Gnabry or Santi’s spot in the starting line-up.
Casualties of War:
Arsenal:
Ramsey continues to be out with mysterious issues. Walcott is still out for the season with his ACL issue. Wilshere will miss the game with a knock and Flamini is suspended from a fairly boneheaded tackle last game.
Crystal Palace:
Parr is expected to be out with a concussion. Dikgacoi is out with a calf injury. Jerome Thomas is out with a groin injury.
Predictions:
I predict a 3-0 to the Arsenal. A big response to a poor performance in the Villa game. Giroud will get a tap in, Gnabry will finally grab that screamer from range he’s been looking for with his long shots lately, and Ozil will score a very Bergkampesque goal to round off the game.
A Special Q and A!
My mother is a die-hard Gooner who has had passion for the club as long as I have. TA has been asking my mom to write a post for a short time and until now she has respectfully declined, saying she may one day. But for now, I’ve decided another Gooner’s perspective would be refreshing, especially a woman’s perspective.
Q: What did you think of Arsenal’s performance in the January torture window?
A: Lame. Unacceptable for a big club. We knew we had injury problems; targets should’ve been established ahead of time and signed swiftly. We failed to address these issues and that’s wrong.
Q: What is this squad still lacking?
A: I agree with Totes. A beast of a DM and a SQ striker would really fill out the squad. But I love Giroud and don’t want him replaced.
Q: What are your predictions for the Palace game?
A: We certainly should be able to win, but we have to focus from the starting whistle and can’t have a poor first half as we have had of late. The team can’t take this game lightly. Don’t underestimate Palace and we have to make sure to boost our goal differential and make a statement.
Q: What is your predicted top 6 for the end of the season?
A: ManchesterCity, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United in that order. It is a tough call between Everton and Liverpool. Suarez and Sturridge, and the Everton injuries, are what pushes Liverpool above, despite me wanting to see Everton there more.
Q: What is your opinion of Wenger?
A: I love him. I admire him greatly. I do have to question his decisions once and a while especially with substitutions. He seems to wait to long at times and doesn’t do enough to change games. Overall I love him and trust him greatly, but there are times where he is questionable and needs to act faster. Wenger time at the 70th minute is sometimes too late to make game changing tactics adjustments.
Q: Who is your favorite Arsenal player?
A: At this moment in time, it’s just, and this is a weird answer, team spirit. The way all the players have connected and been together has been amazing. Fighting for each other every minute of every game. I’ve never seen such spirit in this team, granted I haven’t watched for more than a few seasons, but still it’s incredible. I absolutely love it. That is what has made the difference this season.
Q: What do you hope for by the end of the season?
A: I would like to keep the same spirit. I’d love a trophy, but we won’t win the league. With all the injuries I’m not sure we will win the FA Cup. It is entirely possible though. Bayern will likely knock us out in the Champion’s League as sad as it is. Ideally I’d love a second place finish and some smart signings in the summer to really strengthen our team.
Questions:
1. What are your predictions for the game?
2. What is your preferred line-up?
3. How do you think Chamakh will be received at the Emirates?
Tomorrow night sees a return to midweek Premier League fixtures and another test for Arsenal, this time at Southampton. Our form has been very nice. In fact, we haven’t dropped a point in our last 5 league matches (7 wins in all comps) and we’ve only conceded 2 goals along the way. The only caveat would be that these (league) matches have all come against teams in the bottom 11 who are currently separated by a mere 6 points(!) and are ALL candidates for relegation this season. Southampton are in another bracket, a full 7 points ahead of the relegation battlers, and 13 points above the drop zone itself. Already this season they’ve taken points off both Manchester teams and won at Liverpool. They will not be pushovers and to earn full points Arsenal must play at our best.
Starting 11
This period of more winnable league fixtures and FA cup matches has presented an opportunity for the manager to rotate players and allow others to rest, recover from injury and re-integrate into the team. 18 year old Serge Gnabry has performed exceptionally well over this period as has Jack Wilshere. Both, I believe will be rested tomorrow, the latter having picked up a knock in the FA cup match vs Coventry City on Friday. At his pre-match press conference Arsene Wenger suggested that Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Vermaelen (left out of the squad vs Coventry) are all back and available. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, whose last league start was on opening day vs Aston Villa, is still not 100% fit (according to the manager) and might also only merit a bench spot having played 70+ minutes vs Coventry. Being a product of the So’ton youth academy, I’d expect him to receive a warm welcome when he (surely) comes on as a sub. Finally, Kieran Gibbs, who played the entire match on Friday, might also need a breather as it was his first one back from a minor layoff. As such, my guess for the starting line-up is as follows.
It’s also possible that Ramsey might start in one of the “doublé-pivot” spots (alongside Arteta or Flamini) allowing Poldolski to reprise his successful (2 goal) outing from Friday. Given that there seems to be greater acknowledgement that his fitness issues are long term, I suspect, however, that he only gets a bench spot. Another player unmentioned in the press conference was Tomáš Rosický. Hopefully he’s just getting used to his new face (after the nose break vs Aston Villa two weeks ago)…If he’s fit, he’s an excellent bench option but it might be nice to allow him further recovery time if it means a protective mask is not needed when he finally does play.
Scouting the Opponent—Biggest Signings Missing
Southampton, much like the current iteration of Arsenal, are a team built on defense but very capable in attack. As such, I expect a tight match with both teams being cautious about committing too many resources forward. The Saints will be buoyed by the return of starting goal keeper Artur Boruc even if he was at fault for the goal which turned the reverse fixture. Unfortunately they will be missing £8.5 million CB Dejan Lovren. Additionally, £12.5 million DM Victor Wanyama is listed as 50-50 in returning from a long-term leg injury. Regardless of who starts in the defensive half—I would expect ALL of them to be a bit less cavalier with the ball this time around!
In attack Southampton’s offense revolves around one of this season’s most improved players, Adam Llalana. Capable of driving the team forward quickly, Llalana’s final ball has also made him plenty capable of notching both goals and assists. He won’t have record signing (£15 million) Danny Osvaldo at his disposal after a practice-pitch fracas has brought his So’ton future into question. Instead, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriquez will be Llalana’s most likely partners up front. Another previous record signing, Gaston Ramirez, is also missing with an ankle problem. Still, Arsenal will need to be well aware of precocious talents James Ward-Prowse and Luke Shaw who can both move the ball quickly from back to front and wide to central.
As strong and in-form as Arsenal is, this match represents a moment of moderate crisis for Southampton. In addition to the troubles with Osvaldo and the injuries to their other big money players, Chief Executive Nicola Cortese has left the club and many believe manager Mauricio Pochettino could go next. Additionally, while still clear of any relegation troubles, So’ton have been struggling with results. They come into the match with a day less rest than us after beating Yeovil Town (2-nil at home) in the FA Cup but their league form has dropped off. While they were getting points from teams above them earlier in the season, they themselves have dropped points in their most recent league match (2-2 at Sunderland) and wins over West Brom and Cardiff have been balanced by a home defeat to Spurs and a 3-nil at Chelsea.
Last Match Before the Transfer Window Closes
In his press conference AW played down any transfer talk including speculation about contract extensions. Bacary Sagna’s contract situation was raised but the manager, while not saying the matter was settled, suggested that the player was fully committed to the cause. In previous pressers, reports about fees being agreed between FC Schalke 04 and Arsenal for forward/winger Julian Draxler have been met by denials and smiles, which seems more promising than denials and frowns (or tirades). Southampton have their own issues and it appears they might try and offload Osvaldo to West Ham (on loan) while they’ve had to beat back Chelsea’s attempts at tapping up FB Luke Shaw. As soon as the final whistle goes, I would expect pointed questions about the transfer window directed at each manager. This may be a match preview but feel free to discuss all things new and shiny… (As well as parsing each and every word/report/facial expression in regards to transfers and contract extension…)
Predictions?
None for me, but feel free. This is another (and perhaps the sternest) in a great series of nerve testers before the (very) tough series of Liverpool away, ManUnited home league matches, followed quickly by home matches vs Liverpool in the FA Cup and Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16. I’ve pointed out some of the promising features leading into this one, so I’ll predict a full 3 points for the Arsenal. Anything less would have to be seen as a slip-up, but Southampton, their momentary troubles notwithstanding, should not be underestimated. Given their comfort as a defense-first team, the first goal will be critical. Go on you Gunners, Up the Arse, etc., etc., etc….
This is not your usual preview, where most of us are familiar with the opposition, their players, and their style. So, bear with me if I spend a little longer on what we might expect. I asked for this assignment because CoventryCity is my home town club, and despite their well documented off-field problems, I still follow their results and progress keenly.
I would like to open this report up with this link for an insight into their manager’s self awareness, and hopefully through that, allow you a more rounded respect for our opponents on Friday night?
So, from the above I think Coventry will play with the freedom that will allow them to be at their very best, even though a victory is very unlikely. That is a dangerous combination, if the Arsenal players simply think they only have to turn up and they are in the 5th round. Coventry will play to the 95th minute and if there is the slightest chink in our application, they will pounce.
Here are a few players to look out for from the team I expect will play for the Sky Blues:
Franck Moussa – Belgian youngster who plays as an attacking midfielder, and scored last weekend with a 35yd rasper in injury time. Very popular with the City fans.
Carl Baker – Now the senior pro in the midfield. Plays out wide, with pace. Skilful; takes the penalty shots, and has got the most assists, with 8 this term.
Cyrus Christie – Young, athletic left back. Likes to get forward a lot. Pacy with it.
Leon Clarke – He is the senior striker of City’s front pair. He scored 10 goals from 14 appearances last season. He is their leading scorer with 18 this season. However, there is talk of a transfer to Wolves, but as they are out of the Cup, I guess he will want to play this game before any move is completed?
Denzel Slager – Recently signed late entry for a start.
Joe Murphy – A very capable ‘keeper on his day, and has been with City for the last 3 seasons. Has made more saves this season than our Chezzer!
Predicting the Arsenal line up is tricky, given surprise injury recoveries, but this will be something like it. They will rest a few seniors, but there will be a solid core:
It is a youthful midfield that will not last the 90, but by having Ryo ahead of Gibbs means that latter can monitor the dangerous Baker. In a more 1-4-1-4-1 formation, I think Rosicky will do the prompting, feeding Zelalem to find the key passes to both wide men. Good crosses will suit Bendtner’s better heading ability? Ox and Rosicky can interchange to provide another threat in the central area.
Coventry line up will be something like this:
L.Clarke – D Slager
Moussa – Fleck – Baker
Christie – Webster – D.Seabourne – Adams
Murphy
Subs will include: Midfielder Adam Barton and J. Clarke, defender.
Callum Wilson – Usually the pacy young partner to Leon Clarke, but he is injured and misses the game. Big loss for them.
How the game will be won or lost:
Overall, Coventry score regularly, 55 this term in League 1, with 45 against.
I think they will play the two up front and really go for it. It may be tight in midfield, but they can break equally quickly, and Moussa capable of firing in from any range.
It does mean they will be vulnerable if they go to open, but it should be an exciting game. Their manager will expect them to put in a good effort, so if they lose it will not be because anybody shirked their responsibility.
Well, possession, as always, will be key but it is not the whole story. Coventry will play on the counter and hope to win the ball in midfield. They have pace down both wings, so balls played inside to the dangerous Moussa means any lack of concentration will be punished. With the team above, Arsenal should have the numerical advantage in midfield and I expect them to win this area comfortably enough, but with Ryo on the left, and Ox and the overlapping Jenkinson, on the right, I think less will be played through the middle … unless of course they do play the full senior squad in midfield?
Personally I do not think it will be necessary. I think our strong defence will be too good for the likes of Slager and Clarke. Moussa is a bit of a maverick, so best not let him get any clear shots on goal. Ox and Rosicky helping out Arteta to stop Fleck from getting the ball through middle, and Gibbs is probably the better option (over Monreal) to handle Baker’s pace. Jenks will have to be quick on the other side if he gets forwards himself, but hopefully Ox will be on that side to help out.
Zelalem is my quirky option to start. It should be a game that suits his passing game a treat, and with Ozil on the bench, it can be rectified if he looks like getting overwhelmed. Both Rosicky and Vermaelen are subject to their fitness. With a good break before our next game Koscielny is the obvious replacement in defence. If Arteta is not available, then Wilshere may have to partner Frimpong or Yennaris, as both played in the Under 21’s last time? Therefore if Arteta is fit, I think Rosicky’s better defensive work holds Santi out? Whilst Ozil could start and have a real influence on the game from the start, I think they will save him for midweek?
Zelalem up against Fleck might be a different challenge? I can see Podolski coming on, or even starting, and the switch will take place with Bendtner around the 70th minute. The rest will be score dependent, barring injuries.
Goals should come from Bendtner’s heading at set pieces, and Rosicky and Ox should have plenty of opportunities too. I do not see us keeping a clean sheet, but I think 3-1 to the Gunners, even if it will be late on before it is wrapped up. I will repeat, Coventry will keep it going right up until the final whistle.
So remember we play Southampton on Tuesday and Coventry are a League 1 side:
Q.1 Would you rest some of our key players? If so how many?
Q.2 Who from the YouthAcademy would you like to see get some game time?
Our Maestro of Match Previews, Oz Gunner, has brought the goods once again but things in our little world of Bergkampesque are different this week and 17 Highbury Terrace also had started a match preview. I’d like to include it here as it mirrors some of my own thoughts.
Arsenal – Fulham Preview –Dedicated to James Bond
Bergkampesque is a blog about Arsenal Football Club, emphasizing the more positive aspects of the club and the team as exemplified in the beautiful and professional play of Dennis Bergkamp. We have a match tomorrow, against Fulham Football Club, but one of our own, in fact our top comment contributor, James Bond, is going through an extremely difficult moment in his personal life (see comments, previous post), and I want to dedicate this preview to him. James is an extremely optimistic AND passionate supporter of Arsenal and a great contributor to this site. Despite much cajoling, he’s yet to write a blog post of his own, but he’s put out many interesting and bold ideas. Sometimes we’ve gotten small glimpses into his personal life, but nothing on the scale of what he wrote yesterday. Though blog comments tend to be about Arsenal, over time a community of intriguing individuals builds and many of us feel as if we know one another. I’ve had fun, interesting, and heated debates with James (I often call him 007 or our Superspy…), always with an underlying tone of intelligence and respect. We don’t “know” each other, but we do… All I can say, Bond, at this time, is that we’re all pulling for you and hoping for the very best outcome for you and wishing that, sooner than later, you can be back here on the site, discussing goalkeepers and center forwards, matches, transfers, finances, etc., in your inimitable way.
Maybe Arsenal can brighten your day tomorrow with a convincing win over Fulham. I know you’ve been eager for a strong performance and a lopsided score-line, and I’ll wish that for you—along with my much bigger and more important wishes for you. Being me, of course, I’ll take the three points, however they come. Every match presents challenges, and this one feels no different. Your challenges are on another scale entirely. Best of luck, stay strong, keep the faith, etc., etc., my friend…
17highburyterrace
Preview Intro
A battle of teams on the opposite ends of the table, but Fulham will be looking to break a 110 year drought of losses against Arsenal at home. A win is a must for both teams but for different reasons. Arsenal needs 3 points to fend off the oilers, Fulham to fend off relegation.
A quick fire double saw Arsenal keep a resurgent Villa at bay taking it to 4 league wins on the trot.
Fulham were torn to threads (Shreds, Shreds of threads…) 4-1 last week by Sunderland making it 20 goals conceded in their last 6 games.
Let’s get in to it shall we: Draxler!
Missing in Action:
Arsenal: Rosicky (Nose) – Broke it thanks to a gabby. A mask is an option but I don’t think he’ll be risked so soon unless absolutely necessary. Monreal (foot – this one worries me because info is water tight and Arsene appeared worried), Diaby (Knee/missing), and Sanogo (back – STILL!). Walcott (ACL – knee), Ramsey (Hip/thigh), Arteta (calf/shin), Vermaelen (knee), Bendy (Ankle/foot)…god we could almost field a whole team of crocked players.
The back four picks itself thanks to injuries. I expect Jack the lad to continue next to the junkyard dog Flamini. Ozil behind Giroud, Santi on the left, and Gnabry down the right. The only question mark is whether or not Arsene plays Podolski down the left. Gnabry down the right is a must because Fulham have really struggled on their left this season. Give the boy some legroom and he’ll make you pay! Draxler!
Previous Encounters:
Fulham v Arsenal 1 – 3
A bit of luck allowed Giroud to open the scoring and Podolski followed it with a brace. It was a confident and assured performance from the team, and it never looked in doubt. Bent managed to score a debut consolation goal in the 77’…he’s always had a bloody talent for scoring against us.
Fulham v Arsenal 0 – 1
Ex-gunner Sidwell was given his marching orders on 12′ for a dangerous tackle on Arteta. Despite this Fulham closed the game down in their predictable boring fashion. The BFG scored the breakthrough from a Theo free kick. A hard fought victory and it was 8 wins in 10 games for the mighty Arsenal! Draxler!
Arsenal v Fulham 3-3
This is the one which irks. Early goals from Poldolski and Giroud made this seem an easy 3 pointer but Fulham, with 2 goals and an assist from Berbatov looked like they might actually take all the points. A late header, from Giroud levelled it and then, at the very death, referee Phil Dowd awarded us a penalty when a desperate (and cheeky) Andrei Arshavin chipped a ball onto the arm of a Fulham defender Sasha Reither. With such a strange turn of events and maybe not trusting normal forces (i.e. gravity, etc.) Mikel Arteta struck a weak penalty, easily beaten away by Fulham goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, costing us two very valuable points.
Arsenal are unbeaten at the Emirates this season (not counting that diabolical opening fixture) and sitting pretty on top of the table. However, City and Chelsea are breathing right down our necks and it’s about as enjoyable as TMHT setting his sights on you… One slip up and it could be all over, red rover! We haven’t been at our best but like Man U of seasons past we are getting the job done anyway we can. We’ve heard it all before, sometimes you have to win ugly. I would like to see us belt a team soon though because this squeaky bum stuff is knocking years off my life.
Take away the one blemish game and we’ve conceded a mere 13 goals this season. A good defence has been a long time coming!
Fulham on the other hand have let in 46 goals this season. 11 more than any other team. This is a far cry from the Fulham we’ve come to know of seasons past. Previously I’d dread this fixture because I knew a goal against Fulham was like getting blood from a stone. The loss of Mark Schwarzer, a long term injury to Hangeland, an unsettled defence, and ex-Arsenal defender Senderos have made them easy to break down. Just ask Hull, they knocked 6 past them in Fulham’s last away fixture; Relegation zone Sunderland also put 4 past them at Craven Cottage a week ago. Since then, however, they dispatched Norwich in the FA Cup 3- nil. Two spots above the relegation zone means every point is vital for Fulham. Draxler!
This week I’ve dipped into the Arsenal Archive and pulled out this video clip. It’s a 2 goal victory against Fulham during the 2004/05 season. Henry was on another level that day. What a team we had! Have a look: (Draxler!)
One to Watch:
This week’s one to watch is ex-spud and ex-red devil Dimitar Berbatov.
From the opening of the January transfer window he’s been linked with Arsenal (heaven forbid he actually came). I think he’ll be out to impress the home crowd and Arsene in this fixture. With Berba it all comes down to enthusiasm. Last season he was motivated, this season his clear cut chance conversion has dropped from 59% to 33%. He’s capable of great things but I expect Kozzer to entrench him firmly in his pocket.
Arsenal’s one to watch is none other than Santi Cazorla. Despite Podolski scoring 2 goals last time the two teams met I would have given the MoTM to Santi. The pitch was wet, the midfield compact and he had Parker snapping at his heels constantly, but he was on another level and oozed class. He hasn’t had the best of seasons (partly because we hold him up on a mantle after his exceptional first season) but when it all clicks for him magic happens. I’m sure Arsene would have told him how important he is going to be with Theo going down, and I have no doubt Santi will begin a meteoric rise once again.
Pre-Match Finger:
This week’s finger goes to our injury curse…again.
Come on, it’s getting a bit ridiculous now. We would like to win the title this season, rather than thinking back to what may have been. Surely the balance of luck should be tipped in our favour for the next 100 years.
Pre-Match Pat on the back:
This week’s pat on the back is going to the Big Feckin’ German.
great work by @The_Zama
What a massive difference he makes to this team! I really can’t say enough good things about the BFG. When he first came to the club I was over the moon. After a few performances… Not so much. The game against Chelsea a couple of seasons ago sticks in my mind. He appeared lightweight and despite his large stature he seemed to decrease in size when he went up for a header. Something changed. Now he tackles, he barks, he scores goals, and best of all…he organises the troops. Over the years I’ve thought a few players deserved to be taken out back and slapped around bit so they might pull their finger out and start to perform. After Mertz’s first season he definitely did extract a digit. Whether that can be attributed to getting his body right, settling into the EPL, getting to know the players, or Bould taking him under his wing, I’m not sure, but whatever happened, he has transformed into our most important player. I do enjoy seeing/hearing him let his teammates recognise when they’ve made an error out on the pitch (first the Ozil incident and then the Santi situation against Villa). It’s hard not to love the man. Draxler!
‘Ask the opposition’ returns again this week. It is designed to get some friendly banter from our opposition fans and get their insight for the match ahead. This week the answers were kindly provided by Cookie-6262 and dempsey’s revenge…there were others but let’s just say tensions are high for Fulham supporters these days. Let’s see what they’ve written for us this week:
1. What are your thoughts on the Morrison ‘taping up’ row?
Cookie – The tapping up row is a load of rubbish, Rene was asked about transfers and he replied “we have bid for Ravel Morrisson but it has been rejected.” He was then asked, “Do you think he wants to come” and he replied, “Yes, I think he does want to come.” Hardly the crime of the century; he was just saying what he honestly thought.
DR – It’s nothing. They’re not playing him, so why would they care?
2. How is Senderos travelling?
Cookie – hopefully Senderos is travelling via Beijing and won’t arrive at the Emirates until next Thursday…. Most fans have him as our fifth best Centre back and our weak link yet he still sometimes gets games. Our chance of getting something from this game is 10% at best; with Senderos it’s about 2%.
DR – He’s an idiot, so he frequently loses his luggage. Hope to God he’s not playing.
3. What do you want during this transfer window?
Cookie – A left back is a must–someone who can go straight into the team. To keep Berba but if he goes we will need a striker and possibly a centre back although young Dan Burn has come in for the two cup games and looked very good.
DR – All new players except for Riether and Parker.
4. What position/ player is your weakest link?
Cookie – Weak link is centre back, just look at the goals against column. But Hangeland is back after 3 months out so hopefully he will make a difference. Left back is an issue as well. Iif Walcott were fit he could have done double figures.
DR – All positions except where Riether and Parker play.
5. What position is Arsenal’s weak link?
Cookie – Do Arsenal have a weak link??? Possibly up front if Giroud is off form. You are light up top, but does it matter when you have a midfield including Ozil and Carzola plus Podolski?
DR – Manager thinks he’s God.
6. Which Arsenal player would you love to have in your team and why?
Cookie – Ozil is world class and a joy to watch
DR – Nearly all of them. I’ll make this observation; Arsenal players nearly always thrive after leaving the team (but not Senderos), which shows that a) Wenger has a good eye for talent and b) the coaching there is top class.
7. What is your match prediction?
Cookie – Not expecting anything from the game but just hoping for a half decent performance and not getting a thrashing. A good display in a narrow defeat wouldn’t be a disaster for us though you never know, a Mertesacker red card in the 2nd minute and Berba slots away the pen. (You can but dream…)
DR – We will get our heads handed to us and probably slip into the zone as a result.
Prediction:
It will be an improved performance by Fulham thanks to the return of the big Norwegian Hangeland. However, it won’t be enough and I think he’ll be lost at sea out there as the team crumbles around him. Watch for them to park all the buses in Fulham in front of their goal. It won’t be enough though because Gnabry is going to kick a hole through them en route to a 4-0 victory!
What is your prediction?
What starting line-up would you choose?
What position is our weakest link at the moment?
What tactic would you employ to beat Fulham?
What two players would you buy during this transfer window and why?
By Oz Gunner
Draxler! (hey if I say it enough he just might come!)
Opening Day Reversal—3 points a Must to Keep Pace at the Top
Arsenal head to Aston Villa hoping to reverse the extremely disappointing result from the opening match of the season. In that one, despite opening the scoring with an Olivier Giroud goal, Arsenal conceded 3 and felt victimized by referee Anthony Taylor, who not once but twice gave Aston Villa penalties (and a pair of yellow cards to Laurent Koscielny) while ignoring repeated fouls on our players. The result also played out amidst a background of a very disappointing transfer window, one where management had made great declarations about our money to spend, yet none (to that point) had been. The team left the pitch that August day to a chorus of boos, even if most of the frustration was aimed at manager Arsene Wenger.
The season was off to the worst start possible…
From that woeful day, the Arsenal season has been on an upward trajectory. First came the announcement that former Gunner, Mathieu Flamini, would join the team on a free transfer followed by good wins at Fulham and vs. Tottenham Hotspur. Their spending of nearly 100 million pounds on a series of players (to help mitigate the impending departure of Gareth Bale) made them appear an ambitious if almost completely revamped team. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t penetrate our defences that day, and another Giroud goal was the difference. The next day we announced the signing of Mesut Özil from Real Madrid and the circle was complete. North London lost one up-and-coming star (Bale) but received perhaps the greatest assist-maker in the game in return (Özil). That it was Tottenham’s loss and Arsenal’s gain (perhaps) made our summer of torture (almost) worthwhile.
Match by match, Arsenal have righted the ship and been the big surprise of the first half of the season. Of course, true supporters of the club don’t see it this way and believe the real aberration was the opening day loss to Villa. Marrying a player of super quality such as Özil to a squad that showed extreme mettle in closing a 7-point gap in the final 10 matches last season to finish 4th and recapture our Champions League position, we had hoped to pick up where we had left off. That opening day was a giant hiccup, but the remainder of the first half of the season has been much better, and tonight we have the chance to make amends.
Predicted Starting Lineup
Coming a full nine days after we (again) beat Tottenham, this time in the FA Cup, tonight’s match should see Arsenal fielding a very strong first 11. Kieran Gibbs is close to a return, but Nacho Monreal will surely start at Left Back. Wojciech Szczęsny should return as our keeper, while the remaining defenders will likely be Bacary Sagna, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny; a group which will be seeking its 5th consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
In Midfield, Aaron Ramsey has not recovered sufficiently from a thigh injury, so I would predict a dual-pivot of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini with a more forward 3 of Santi Cazorla, Özil and Jack Wilshere.
Olivier Giroud, passed fit after missing the last two matches, will surely start alone up front. It’s also possible that Wenger will go with a more attacking midfield, starting 18-year-old Serge Gnabry, brilliant in his start vs. Tottenham at right wing. He could reprise this role and assert his ability to fill the large hole vacated by Theo Walcott, injured in that match and out for the season. Such a move would likely move Wilshere back at the expense of either Flamini or, more likely, Arteta, who required a late substitution in the FA Cup tie.
Tomáš Rosický also has every right to claim a starting spot in attacking midfield on the strength of his performance vs. Spurs. Nonetheless, I predict he will be a bench option. Ironically, this match will see the return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who sustained a major knee injury in the opener. I suspect the Ox, along with Lucas Poldolski, will start on the bench but might be employed if we’re chasing a result late on.
Aston Villa, despite their bright start to the season, have not been playing well recently (only a single win and a draw in their last seven matches in all competitions) and have injury issues of their own. Ron Vlaar and Nathan Baker are both question marks in defence, although Gabriel Agbonglahor has been deemed fit enough to play. He’s been the bright spot in attack in recent games as one of last season’s biggest surprises, Christian Benteke, has failed to find the form that made him a major summer transfer target and eventually won him a big contract keeping him at Villa. A potential starting 11 for the opposition could be Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Luna, Bacuna, Westwood, Delph, Albrighton, Benteke, Agbonlahor.
How the Match Should Play Out
In the opener, Villa seemed unafraid to play a very up and down game, and I expect a similar early approach here. They have the pace and power to hurt us on the counter, and if we are able to wrest control of midfield possession, they might settle into that sort of pattern. Bacuna has scored some great right-footed free kicks, so looking for fouls outside of our 18-yard box may be a real tactic as well. It should be recalled that in this same fixture last season we played a very dour nil-nil draw (in foul weather) and, if Villa can keep the score tight, defending and holding out for a point might suit them as well.
I predict another strong performance by our defence and commanding work in attack by a buzzing midfield working off the big presence of Giroud up front. My predicted scoreline in this one is 2-nil to the Arsenal, with goals fromCazorla and Özil (and assists from the latter and Giroud).
Regardless of the scoreline, a winning result is imperative given that the other top 4 clubs (ManchesterCity, Chelsea and Liverpool) have all notched away wins this weekend. Finally, we should be extra motivated and fully concentrated for this one as it represents a chance to avenge the pain of the opening day.
What do you think? Please join me (us?) in the comments before, during and after the match. Go on you Gunners!
Written by: 17highburyterrace
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Arsenal vs Spurs Preview: Road to the FA Cup Final
Intro:
It has only been a few days since our breathtaking last minute surge against Cardiff. Now we face a big test: a North London Derby. In a cup no less! A loss here is far worse than any normal loss in a NLD, as it means elimination from a cup that we really have a shot to win this season. We need to win here. We just need to put up a strong fight and play without fear. We are the better side and deserve to win. This game is for bragging rights and progression in a cup that we want to win.
This fixture last time:
The last time this fixture occurred was earlier this season. It was a massive turn around after a terrible loss to Aston Villa. It was a simple 1-nil to the Arsenal. Giroud scored a cheeky outside of the foot, near post shot against Lloris. Walcott swung in a great cross for him and Giroud took his chance well, on the one touch finish. Sadly we are missing Giroud this time, but we do have Theo and a strong squad.
Here is my expected line up for tomorrow:
I think Gnabry and Zelalem will be making a huge start. Theo will fill in at striker, seeing as Podolski wasn’t great there against Cardiff. Podolski will then slide back on to the wing and Santi will take up his best position in the center. Monreal will fill in for the injured Gibbs at left back.
Key Battles:
Sagna vs Eriksen:
Eriksen is an incredibly creative player (a player I wish we’d bought), but due to Spurs new two- striker system, they don’t have room for a true CAM. Therefore Eriksen is being played in more of a Santi role, as a CAM playing LW. He could punish us, as he did Manchester United, if we’re not careful. However, I have faith Mr. Reliable will shut him down.
Podolski vs Walker:
Walker is a class right back who will do everything in his power to shut down our service from the wing. Podolski will have to be 100% and ready to run his socks off to beat Walker’s work rate. He will have to be prepared to dribble around Walker and swing in quick crosses to avoid being shut down. I think Podolski will struggle with this for a while, but if Santi begins to drift to the left more, he will have the support to break him down.
Zelalem vs Expectations:
I don’t know about everyone else, but I have huge hopes for Zelalem in the future. He just has to make sure that he doesn’t screw up and become a scapegoat on his debut. Debuting against Spurs could put him in the history books. If he just focuses on not losing the ball and taking the opportunity to try the occasional tricky ball, he might just get an assist and put his name in our history books.
Casualties of War:
Arsenal:
Bendtner, Gibbs, Ramsey, Diaby, and Ox are all definitely out. Ozil and Giroud both face late fitness tests, and Wenger says it is likely both will be out. It’s unfortunate that we will be without our two out and out strikers, who are both in great goal scoring form, but we do have Theo, Poldi, and Gnabry who can all play striker. I’ve wanted to watch Gnabry play there, but it’s unlikely as Theo is in incredible goal scoring form. If Ozil was fit, I’d actually be tempted to try him there and see if he could really be like Bergkamp, but that’s unlikely.
Spurs:
Vertonghen, Paulinho, Kaboul, and Sigurdsson will all be out. Holtby, Defoe, and Townsend are all just returning from injury and are unlikely to play. Adebayor also faces a late test, but claims he is fit to face us. Let’s all secretly hope he’s not fit so he can’t score against us.
Predictions:
I predict a shock 3-0 to Arsenal. We will come out firing on all cylinders and Spurs will be cocky after their away victory over Manchester United. I think Walcott will score a great goal, as he has been in fine finishing form. This goal will likely be assisted from Lulu on the left. Next, I think Gnabry will score a simple tap in from a one on one, assisted by Zelalem. Finally, in the dying minutes Zelalem will score a self-assisted screamer, and put his name in the hearts and memories of Gooners everywhere.
After a couple of tough weeks it is time for Arsenal to bounce back with a full-blooded, quality performance against the Hammers. We might not be ready yet to put the bigger teams to the sword, but as Manure has demonstrated often enough, we don’t have to do this in order to become champions. The next games against West Ham, Newcastle United and Cardiff are our bread and butter games this season.
Win today with a convincing performance and the wind is back under our wings. We mustn’t grumble or sulk about the last few weeks but just concentrate now on our next fixture with the discipline of OGAAT: three points are at stake. Sammi Allerdici will do absolutely everything to deny us a win today and only a fully committed performance will get us there. This game will have the feel and intensity of a cup game, with both the Hammers and Gunners having good Boxing Day records.
It will be interesting to see who Wenger will start and what sort of formation he will go for. It looks like Koscielny is back in contention, and nobody got injured on Monday so the Frenchman has a strong group of players to choose from.
It was quite a surprise to see Flamini rested on Monday; maybe Wenger did not want to give Dean a half decent excuse to send one of our players off (no risk there with Koz and Jack 🙂 ), or he just was not impressed with the fellow Frenchman’s slightly under-par performance against the Northern Oilers. I reckon we will need him back though, as Arteta had a hard, knackering game just three days ago.
TV5 did well against the Chavs and it will be interesting to see whether he will get another game or whether Koz will return tomorrow. My gut feeling is the latter but I would be happy to see Tommy getting another game.
Who will play in midfield and on the wings is another good question. Will Ozil get rested, and if so, will Cazorla play in the hole? Will Pod and Theo start this time round, or are we going with four or even five midfielders? And will Giroud get another start, or will we try Theo or Pod up-front?
I feel Arsene will not make too many drastic changes as he will want his ‘A-team’ to get back to winning ways, but I could be wrong.
What do you reckon will be Wenger’s line-up and formation today?
If it was you, what formation would you choose and who would you play?
What is your predicted half time and final score?
Who will score for us today and who will assist (if any)?
Written by: TotalArsenal.
Please also check out this great blog by a blog-friend of mine with the godly name of Dennis, who has a real passion for football shirts:
Just a quick one as I am busy with Christmas preparations.
Tonight’s game against the Chavs will no doubt be a wild affair. Strong winds are forecasted and let there be no doubt that all 22 players and both managers will be hyped up for this one. May the Canon roar and cause total mayhem in the Chavs’ defence: a great night to show the pride in our shirt.
It is the first game of four big ones in succession and a good start would lift both teams tremendously for the remaining games. It is also a London Derby AND the rebirth of the battle between the self-declared Special One and Le Professeur; the scheming strategist and the visionary entertainer; street wisdom and philosophy.
This will be the battle of midfield, no doubt. Last year, the streetwise semi-nasty Ramires taught us a lesson in aggressive midfield play and I hope we are prepared for the physical/aggressive approach the Chavs will instigate in midfield. If they play Ramires, which for me is almost a certainty, we need to let him know who is boss today in the first few minutes. Flamini has to be our man to do that and a hell of a lot will be expected of him today. The key question is who should play next to him: Arteta, Ramsey OR somebody else?
If it is Ramsey he will need to play one of the games of his life to deal with both the defensive side of things and link our back-six (including GK and holding DM) with the front-four. If it is Arteta, he will have to rediscover his old form again and dominate proceedings in front of the back five/six. Maybe Wenger surprises us all by putting Rosicky next to Flamini; we have to wait and see.
The other question is whether Wenger will go 4-5-1 or more 4-2-1-3: five midfielders or three attackers? He could start with Flamini, Ramsey, Rosicky, Cazorla and Ozil, but also opt to attack the Chavs with both Pod and Theo on the wings. I reckon the answer is in the middle with both Rosicky and Theo starting on ‘the wings’ tonight.
At the back things should be straightforward. Sagna, BFG, Szczesny and TV to start with either Monreal or Gibbs on LB. I go for the latter but would not be surprised if Monreal gets another chance.
Let’s get behind the team tonight and will our boys on till the end. Tonight’s game could turn into a special, one-off event to cherish for a long, long time.
They seem to be our mirror image in some respects. Check this out;
Unsure of best GK, although it probably will not be Hart. Pantilimon has kept 3 clean sheets at home in their last three starts.
Had trouble in getting a settled back four, but their likely set up will be;
Zabaleta, Kompany, Demicheles, and Kolarov.
However, in midfield they have the return of Silva for Navas?, Fernandinho, Toure, and a choice of Nasri, who was rested, or playing Milner who had a good midweek. More defensive with Milner, more creative with Silva?
Their strike force is the best in the Premiership;
Aguero, Negredo … and have Dzeko waiting in the wings.
Of those who played midweek. The back four bar Kompany, all played, although Zabaleta from the 16th minute( for those wishing Richards on us in the TW?). In midfield and strikers, Toure was suspended, Silva played 73 mins, after returning from injury, when Negredo took over. Aguero and Nasri missed out, although the former was on the bench.
Unlike Arsene Wenger, allegedly, I do think it focuses the mind of players and fans alike to see where the opposition are strong, as well as their weaknesses. Without doubt their strength is in attack, which luckily for us, our defence, or defending, has been one of our strong points. So if we can nullify their best bits, we need an attack that punishes their weaker defence?
However, Gibbs could be replaced by Monreal if Silva returns, and Navas drops out. If Sagna is fit then Jenks may drop out altogether?
So if it is a battle of the midfields, how do we fare?
Flamini will have to organise it well to keep out Toure and Silva from controlling things deep, and I can see Nasri having fun against Jenkinson, as he has been in great form recently. So it will require both Wilshere and Walcott doing a fair bit of tracking back, given that Kolarov likes to get forward a lot too? Likewise on the other side, Navas will keep Gibbs busy, as Per and Kos will have their hands full with Negredo and Aguero, but his pace will be essential if he is pressing forwards, and so keeping Zabaleta back.
Let us not kid ourselves; this is going to be a tough game to win for the above reasons … The reasons to be fearful?
The reasons to be cheerful are in what we have going forwards. If they are all pumped up on some of HT’s expresso, because a fast start is essential. We can worry about fatigue late on, and it tends to be less if you are winning? The good thing here is, we know we are up against a strong side, particularly at their home ground, so they should be keyed up for it. And with Rosicky, Cazorla and Podolski we will have a strong bench to provide fresh legs when it starts getting tough.
Quick movement and pace with Walcott from the start will be key. I would love to see Rosicky in there too, but I think we may have to save him for the last 30 minutes, and a start against Chelsea.
Ozil is going to have to dance around Fernandinho while Wilshere can drag Toure all across the pitch, but importantly, keep him pressed back. But where we should do well is with Giro getting one on one with Demichelis, while Ramsey can get Kompany making late tackles. I think we must be due a game where we play against 10 men? All of this sub play should see Walcott being able to cut inside and leave Kolarov cursing.
I do not see much point of us going there thinking our defence is strong enough to cope with their attack for long periods. Whatever happens, we will be ToTL, so let us go for it without fear. This game is only half time remember. We should recover any dropped points on our patch, so the important thing is to try and impose our game on them. They cannot do much without the ball, so make them work hard to get it. We can afford to put all our effort into this game because we have a tidy 9 day break before we play the Chavs, so get out there with all gun(ner)s blazing.
I think it is brilliant there are now two Welsh football clubs in the PL, and both Swansea and Cardiff appear to have the management capability and infrastructure to make their stay in the top division a long one, which is great.
It just makes me think what the PL would be like if we had Scottish clubs taking part as well… it would be great away games for Arsenal against the likes of Celtic and Rangers, or the beautifully named Inverness Caledonian Thistle. I’d love it!
Happy Saint Andrew’s Day to all Scottish Gooners. Although it will a be subdued day, no doubt, after last night’s horrible accident in Glasgow.
Today’s game against the Bluebirds is not a potential banana-skin. We know damn well we can slip up at the Cardiff City stadium, and only if and when we put our best team on the pitch and treat it as a cup final, will we get out of it with three points today. And that would mean, TOTL with a luvverly gap of seven points with Pool and Oilers till Sunday at least.
There is a great opportunity for Arsenal to push on now and increase our lead before Christmas, and I want to see a determined, hard working team that does not take anything for granted. With the likes of Mertesacker, Koz, Flamini, Sagna, Ozil, Giroud, Ramsey, Gibbs and Wilshere in the team, there is little risk we will not approach the game like a cup final; and this, in my view, is what makes us different from most of our main competitors for the title.
Luckily the Manc clubs have already dropped points at the Cardiff City stadium as to clearly point out to us the gigantic banana-skin the Welsh capital is presenting to us. Cardiff City will have nothing to lose and be full of confidence today – they will play with opportunism and with an excited crowd behind them. So we need to show character and togetherness, play at a high tempo and with discipline in midfield and at the back. And to use another cliché, take our chances when they are presented to us.
How are we going to line up?
I reckon this will be the team today. A good mix of talent, grit, hunger and attitude.
Bergkampesque 