After the disappointment in the Carling Cup final, it's time for the boys to pull themselves up and fight for the remaining trophies. The 5-0 win against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup replay will to some extent healed some wounds but we really need to put in a big performance today.
Chelsea have done us a big favour by beating Man United in the midweek and we must capitalize on that. The scenario now is that if we win our remaining 11 games then we will win the League but it isn't that easy.
Team new is that Cesc and Song haven't made it for the match but I hope they will be available for Barca in midweek. Robin van Persie, Walcott and Vermaelen remain short term absentees. But one heartening news is that Aaron Ramsey is back in the sqyad after almost a year out with his horrible leg injury. Hope he gets the chance to come on later on in the game.
Team line ups:
Arsenal: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Substitutes: Almunia, Rosicky, Ramsey, Squillaci, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh
Sunderland: 4-5-1
Manager:Steve Bruce
Substitutes: Gordon, Riveros, Elmohamady, Colback, Knott, Welbeck, Noble
Tactics:
Goalkeeping/Defence: The defence needs to pull themselves together for this game because Sunderland have the potential to cause us problems if we are not on top defensively. It is important for Koscielny to have a good showing because his confidence as well as his morale would have taken a beating after the horrible mix up with Szczesny in the dying minutes of the final. He is a good defender and he needs to be in good form when we meet Barca on Tuesday.
Midfield: In the absence of Rosicky from the starting line up, Abou Diaby is the one slotted to play higher up in midfield and it will be a test for him. Really really really hope Denilson stops making silly mistakes today. The big burden of ticking the midfield will be on the young shoulders of Jack and he'll need support from Diaby for us to play fluently.
Attack: With Nicklas Bendner notching up a hattrick against Leyton Orient he'll be full of confidence coming into this match, not that he lacks any confidence to start with! Arshavin is looking sharper in recent matches and he should continue his rise in form. The main player for me though will be Nasri and I hope he is fires today. He has been the go to man for us this season and a big performance is needed for us to catch up with the league leaders
Subs: I'd bring on Rosicky, Ramsey and Chamakh.
Final Prediction:
A close 2-1 win for Arsenal.
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