Arsenal vs Birmingham Last Minute Preview

Here we go again after the most exasperating of interlulls. Cesc, van Persie and Vermaeleen are not yet fit enough and Koscielny and Sagna have joined the injury list. However Bendtner, Gibbs and Walcott make a welcome return.

Birmingham won't make it easy for us, but its important for us to start well and knock in a couple of goals as early as possible.


Team line ups:

Arsenal (4-2-3-1) Fabiansky, Eboue, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy, Song, Diaby, Wilshere, Nasri, Arshavin, Chamakh

Substitutes:  Szczesny, Gibbs, Denilson, Walcott, Rosicky, Vela, Bendtner

Manager: Arsene Wenger

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Formation view:

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                                                       Fabiansky

Eboue                       Djourou                                       Squillaci                   Clichy

                                          Song                     Wilshere

     Nasri                                         Diaby                                       Arshavin

                                                      Chamakh

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Birmingham(4-5-1): Foster, Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell, Hleb, Fahey, Bowyer, Ferguson, Larsson, Zigic

Substitutes: Taylor, Jiranek, Murphy, Michel, O’Connor, Derbyshire, Phillips

Manager: Alex Mc Leish

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Formation view:

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                                                         Foster

Carr                     Johnson                                   Dann                    Ridgewell

Larsson              Ferguson               Bowyer                    Fahey                    Hleb

                                                         Zigic
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Tactics:

Goalkeeping: Hope Flappy does not make a mistake today.

Defence: Defence needs to tighten up a bit after conceding 5 goals in our last two league games. They need to be alert during set pieces and when facing a counter attack. Controlling Zigic will be vital today.

Midfield: If our midfield can perform as industriously against Chelsea, we can come out top. Song has to maintain his discipline and overall we must not give balls away cheaply and in dangerous positions. Nasri was in fine form for France and I hope he gets in the scoresheet today.

Attack: Chamakh should look to continue his good home form. We should to create more chances for him through good crosses, and introducing Rosicky might not be a bad idea later on.

Subs: I'd bring on Rosicky, Bendtner and Denilson.

Final Prediction:

A 2-1 win for Arsenal.