Arsenal vs Sunderland 2012-13 Preview

A new season, a fresh start and boy am I raring to go!

Arsenal kick off the 2012-13 Premier League campaign with a match against Martin O'Neill's Sunderland at the Emirates today. Some exciting new faces have arrived, while some old faces have departed the club (and some are on their way as we speak).

Nevertheless, Arsenal remains as always and as a Gooner, I haven't been this excited for the start of the season in a long time. No point crying over those who left(read: betrayed) us and instead we should focus on the players who are going to represent the red and white this season.

Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta have been named captain and vice-captain respectively and I hope we see a disciplined effort from our team. Of course I'm also looking forward to the flair brought by our new signings and I hope we can maintain the balance of flair and discipline.

Last season, we did the double over Sunderland in the league but they also knocked us out of the FA cup in our last encounter. Martin O'Neill will surely try to emulate that performance when they pressed us relentlessly and forced us into making mistakes. The midfield battle will be key today and it is up to our forwards to take their chances when they come.

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Carl Jenkinson, Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen, Kieran Gibbs, Mikel Arteta, Abou Diaby, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Gervinho, Lukas Podolski.

Substitutes: Vito Mannone, Andre Santos, Johan Djourou, Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey, Andrei Arshavin, Olivier Giroud.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Sunderland(4-4-1-1): Simon Mignolet, Craig Gardner, John O'Shea, Carlos Cuellar, Kieran Richardson, Sebastian Larsson, Lee Cattermole, Jack Colback, James McClean, Stephane Sessegnon, Frazier Campbell.

Substitutes: Kieran Westwood, Titus Bramble, David Meyler, Matthew Kigallon, Ahmed Elmohamady, Connor Wickham, Louis Saha.

Manager: Martin O'Neill.

COME ON ARSENAL!!!

ARSENAL SEASON REVIEW 2011-12 PART 1: DEFENCE

Goalkeepers:
 

Apart from Wojciech Szczesny, none of the other goalkeepers look the part. Lukasz Fabianski had little game time and he doesn't look like challenging Szczesny for the goalkeeping spot. It speaks volumes that he was not considered for a starting berth when Szczesny had shoulder injury for the last few weeks of our run in.
 

Vito Mannone has also failed to impress, though to be fair to him, he only got one chance in the dead rubber against Olympiakos in the Champions League. He has since been loaned out to Hull and he's shown some decent form over there.
 

Szczesny provides an authoritative figure in goal. He gives us a calming presence that his two predecessors have lacked. He was the standout performer for us at the start of the season and had it not been for him, our goals conceded numbers would have been even more.
 

Still, Szczesny needs to improve his distribution. His shot stopping is good, but he needs to improve in one on one situations. Fabianski and Mannone look like they'll head for the exit door. In that case, I hope proper reinforcements are made.

Centre backs:

Laurent Koscielny has shown tremendous improvement this season. So much so, he has even outshone the Verminator Thomas Vermaelen. With clearing headers, last ditch tackles, crucial blocks and timely interceptions, the Frenchman has really come of age this season. One can only hope it continues for a long time.
 

Per Mertesacker brings a calmness to the defence and his experience has proved beneficial for us. For Per, it was his first season in the Premier League and I hope he shows the kind of improvement Koscielny showed in the second season. Though Per is our tallest defender at 6 ft 6 in, he is often beaten by opponents in the air and I hope he turns it around next season.
 

Thomas Vermaelen has finally shrugged off his injury problems that kept him out last season and he looks set to form a fruitful partnership with Koscielny. But he has made uncharacteristic defensive lapses this season and we have been punished in quite a number of games. Also, he needs to choose carefully when to charge forward as we've been exposed far too many times on the break.
 

Johan Djourou hasn't been able to get much games this season, and he has struggled to maintain his place in the starting line up. He needs to find the kind of form that made him our best defender in 2010-11. At the moment he's our fourth choice centre back and if he needs a consistent run of games to rediscover his form, it doesn't look like happening.
 

Full backs:
 

We had no fullbacks available in January owing to injuries and we struggled to play our passing game as we went on to lose all three of our league matches.
 

Bacary Sagna remains a key player in our set up and his importance cannot be overstated enough. He is a class act and we have sorely felt his absence when he was out with injury. Though he also made some uncharacteristic errors towards the end of the season, more often than not he's our most reliable defender and he is vital to our passing game. His understanding with Theo Walcott was one of the fruitful partnerships in the season.

Carl Jenkinson still looks a bit raw and he needs time to develop. One thing though, his crosses are mouth watering and one wonders what might have been had he and Marouane Chamakh started in the same line up when van Persie was in need of a rest.
 

Kieran Gibbs's form has been patchy and he is yet to hit the heights at Arsenal. Yet he was part of a solid back four that went on to win six consecutive matches. The lasting memory of him is the last ditch block to deny West Brom a goal in the dying minutes of extra time to seal third place and automatic qualification for the Champions League.

Andre Santos brought flair with his attacking forays down the left and he's chipped in with some vital goals this season. One only hopes he improves his fitness and gives Gibbs a run for his money at left back.

Defensive strengths:

We have improved our defending from set pieces this season compared to the last one. But we still make that odd mistake when either we have been caught napping or we succumbed to clever thinking by our opponents.

We have also been impressive in terms of offside play. We seem most comfortable when we have Mikel Arteta in the side and he really does a great job of helping the defenders out. Our defenders have also come up with goals at crucial times this season and I hope this continues.

Overall Areas of Improvement: 

• Conceding fewer goals should be our top defensive priority for the coming season. Our goals conceded column keeps increasing year by year and I hope the appointment of Steve Bould as Assistant Manager helps.
• We also concede a large proportion of goals to opponents from their first or only shot on goal. I hope this is cut down to a minimum.
• Also, the team as a whole needs to defend better; it's not just the back five who have the sole responsibility of defending. We are often vulnerable on the break and immediately after we lose the ball. Our midfield and forward players need to track back more to prevent this from happening.
• Cutting out silly mistakes like giving away possession with sloppy passes within our defensive third will also help. I remember a number of times we conceded a goal or a gilt-edged chance after giving away possession in our defensive third. Szczesny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Santos, Song, Ramsey, Frimpong and others have at various points of the season made such mistakes and one only hopes they have learnt from them.

West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal 2011-12 Preview

With so much at stake for today's match, Arsenal travel to the Hawthorns for a tricky game against West Brom. Though we won with relative ease when we met earlier in the season, it will be an entirely different game with nerves jangling and the home support favouring our opposition. Form guide, league position and earlier meeting will not matter today.

After our cock up against Norwich last week, we are still fortunate that third place is still in our hands. At the end of today all that matters is that we finish third. The straightforward way will be to win today's match, or else we have to rely on prayers and miracles.

Match Thoughts:

• Its the last game for Pat Rice after 44 years with Arsenal. Hope we can give him a great farewell with three points today.
• Interesting team selection by Arsene Wenger. Three changes from last match with Jenkinson, Santos and Coquelin in for Sagna (injured), Gibbs (shocking defending) and Ramsey (loss of form) respectively.
• With Bacary Sagna out, it will be interesting to see how Jenkinson fills the right back role. At the opposite full back position, Gibbs was shocking defensively (though Vermaelen was also a big culprit if you ask me) in the last game vs Norwich. Didn't surprise me too much that Santos was considered for this one.
• Wojciech Szczesny was also culpable for two of the three goals we conceded against Norwich. He needs to bring his A game for today's match. In fact, all eleven players out on the field as well as the three substitutes need to bring their A game today.
• We have really missed Arteta in the last four games, and it has shown with disappointing results where we have failed to win any of those matches. We have missed his passing, possession play and his rather underrated defensive positioning nous when we lose the ball. He's the vital cog in our midfield and it will be seen how we cope without him for one more match.
• Coquelin is a surprise selection for me. And it may turn out to be a masterstroke. With Ramsey horribly out of form it will be vital for Coquelin to perform the Arteta role for us today.

Team Line Ups:

West Bromwich Albion(4-4-2): Marton Fulop, Liam Ridgewell, Jonas Olsson, Gareth McAuley, Billy Jones, Graham Dorrans, James Morrison, Youssouf Mulumbu, Simon Cox, Shane Long, Marc-Antoine Fortune.

Substitutes: Luke Daniels, Nicky Shorey, Craig Dawson, Keith Andrews, James Hurst, Paul Scharner, Peter Odemwingie.

Manager: Roy Hodgson.


Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Andre Santos, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Carl Jenkinson, Alex Song, Francis Coquelin, Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky, Gervinho, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Kieran Gibbs, Johan Djourou, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.


COME ON ARSENAL!!!

Arsenal vs Norwich City 2011-12 Preview

It is the last home game for us this season as we welcome Norwich City today. It will also be, as of now, the last home game for Pat Rice as assistant manager to Arsene Wenger. A big Thank You to Pat Rice from all Gooners. Match thoughts as follows:

• The stakes are high for us in this one. With Tottenham and Newcastle winning their games in hand in midweek, we are narrowly ahead of them in the points table. We need to make home advantage count and get a much needed win today.
• For Norwich City though, they have little to play for as they are assured of safety from relegation and possibly this has been the reason for their recent slump in form with three consecutive defeats. 
• However, it also means they can play uninhibitedly and play without any fear, and they can prove dangerous in this regard. Their last win was against Spurs and it just goes to show we will need to be at our very best to get our desired result.
• Arsene Wenger has named an unchanged side from the one that drew against Stoke last week. Hopefully the playing eleven will pull off more successful attacking combinations in today's match and get create better chances to score goals.
• Even though the manager has openly come out and asked van Persie to lead us over the line, the team still needs to put in a collective effort and take chances when they come. Not that I don't want van Persie to score, I just want others to contribute as well. But then again, I won't mind Robin scoring a hattrick as long as we end up winning(especially since Shrek is just two goals away from out captain in the leading goalscorers chart).

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Song, Yossi Benayoun,  Tomas Rosicky, Gervinho, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Andre Santos, Johan Djourou, Francis Coquelin, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ju Young Park, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager; Arsene Wenger.


Norwich City: Paul Ruddy, Kyle Naughton, Simon lappin, Ryan Bennett, Russell Martin, Bradley Johnson, Jonathan Howson, Elliott Bennett, Grant Holt, Simeon Jackson, Wesley Hoolahan.

Substitutes: Jed Steer, Elliott Ward, Aaron Wilbraham, David Fox, Anthony Pilkington, Andrew Surman, Steve Morison.

Manager: Paul Lambert.

Stoke City vs Arsenal 2011-12 Preview

Arsenal travel away to one of the most, shall we say, hostile grounds today. There is no love lost between Stoke and Arsenal, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Fair enough, Stoke can play how they want, as long as they don't break the rules(Ha ha, you've got to be kidding!). The thing is, I just despise them, second only to those Mancs.

And before I get too carried away, I'll resume with those fun bullet points:

• Stoke will be up against our faces from the first whistle. They'll tackle hard, and unfair, and with the blood thirsty crowd backing up those neanderthals on the pitch, we might get a raw deal on all 50-50s in the match. Will today's referee Chris Foy call it down the middle? Let's hope so for our sake.
• Though Stoke's serial-long-ball-thrower Rory Delap is on the bench, they will still continue to use their long ball throw in tactics with Ryan Shotton. Hope Koscielny and Vermaelen are able to deal with all those aerial missiles, and Szczesny can claim the ball if and when our centre backs fail to repel those missiles.
• Talking of Szczesny, this will be a big game for him. Stoke will look to bully him from free kicks, corners and throw ins. We will need him to be at his best today and hopefully he'll come out with flying colours.
• With Walcott out of this game due to injury, Gervinho comes back in the right wing psition, while Benayoun takes the opposite flank. It's been a long time since Gervinho's put in a big performance and he's due one sooner than later.
• Robin van Persie, having recently won both PFA and FWA awards, must get his scoring boots today. Shrek is just a goal away from him now and it would be an  absolute travesty if Robin doesn't win the golden boot for the season.
• A draw would seem a fair result, but it would put pressure on us to win the next two games, especially if Newcastle come up with three points against plucky Wigan. We need three points to tighten our grip on third place. And as a bonus, we get to beat those scumbags.

Team Line Ups:

Stoke City(4-4-2): Asmir Begivic, Marc Wilson, Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth, Ryan Shotton, Matthew Etherington, Dean Whitehead, Glenn Whelan, Jermaine Pennant, Jonathan Walters, Peter Crouch.

Substitutes: Thomas Sorensen, Matthew Upson, Rory Delap, Wilson Palacios, Cameron Jerome, Ricardo Fuller, Kenwyne Jones.

Manager: Tony Pulis.


Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Song, Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky,Gervinho, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Andre Santos, Sebastian Squillaci, Abou Diaby, Francis Coquelin, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal vs Chelsea 2011-12 Preview

Big game, and not much time for a lengthy preview. Cue bullet points!

• It's a must-win game for Chelsea, while it is not so much a must-win for us as a must-not-lose game. Having said that, I expect Chelsea to play on the counter attack. We really need to be careful if and when we lose possession.
• It was a mad match when we played them earlier at Stamford Bridge, with us getting the better of them with a 5-3 scoreline. I don't see that repeating today.
• Chelsea will be a largely changed side from the one that beat Barca in midweek in the first leg of the Champions League semi final. They'll want to keep their big guns for the second leg, but still the eleven they put out will test us all the same.
• Arsenal, meanwhile are without our most consistent midfielder of the season in Mikel Arteta and the onus is on young Ramsey to step up his play. The Welshman will be vital to our performance today.
• On the plus side, Laurent Koscielny returns having served his two match ban after accumulating ten yellow cards for the season. I hope he provides the defensive solidity we need today.

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Andre Santos, Johan Djourou, Francis Coquelin, Abou Diaby, Gervinho, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.


Chelsea(4-3-3): Petr Cech, Ryan Bertrand, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Jose Bosingwa, Florent Malouda, Oriol Romeu, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou, Fernando Torres, Daniel Sturridge.

Substitutes: Ross Turnbill, Paulo Ferreira, Ashley Cole, John Obi Mikel, Raul Meireles, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata.

Manager: Roberto di Matteo.

Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic 2011-12 Preview

We face Wigan today knowing that a win will open up an eight point gap over our rivals for third place, though having played a game more. Earlier in the season when both these sides met, we won fairly comfortably. But with Wigan fighting for survival, and having just beaten Man United, will not make it easy for us and we would do well to remember our lessons from the recent QPR defeat.

Laurent Koscielny is still suspended for the game and Djourou continues his role at centre back. Johan has been shaky this season but I have to say he looked quite solid in his performance against Wolves in the previous game. Hope he continues his good form. Tomas Rosicky returns to the staring line up after being rested in the previous game and Yossi Benayoun keeps his place, meaning Ramsey drops to the bench. I would like to see Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain in action later in the game keeping in mind we face Chelsea up next.

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Andre Santos, Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Kieran Gibbs, Sebastian Squillaci, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.


Wigan Athletic: Ali Al Habsi, Maynor Figueroa, Gary Caldwell, Antolin Alcaraz, Emmerson Boyce, Jean Beausejour, James McArthur, James McCarthy, Victor Moses, Jordi Gomez, Franco Di Santo.

Substitutes: Michael Pollitt, Ronnie Stam, Mohamed Diame, Conor Sammon, David Jones, Callum McManaman, Ben Watson.

Manager: Roberto Martinez.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Arsenal 2011-12 Preview

After that thrilling but deserved win against Man City on Sunday, we travel to relegation threatened Wolves today.

Even if they are bottom of the league, we would do well to remember we last came unstuck against a relegation candidate(in QPR) and also, we were held 1-1 at the Emirates when both sides met last time. That day Wayne Hennesey's heroics denied us a win. We would do really well to come away with three points away from the Molineux today.

A win will also strengthen our grip on third place especially as our noisy neighbours lost at home and Chelsea also could only draw. With just five games to go after tonight's game, opening up a 5 point lead could prove vital in cementing qualification for Champions League.

We are without Koscielny for this game, and for the next one against Wigan too, as the defender serves a two match ban for picking up his tenth booking of the season. Djourou steps in his place and I hope he does well. Gervinho still hasn't recovered from his ankle knock, and Gibbs is ruled out for tonight's game. Jack and Per are still yet to resume first team training.

Team Line Ups:

Wolverhampton Wanderers(4-4-1-1): Wayne Hennessey, Stephen Ward, Richard Stearman, Sebastian Bassong, Ronald Zubar, Michael Kightly, Karl Henry, David Davis, Matthew Jarvis, David Edwards, Kevin Doyle.

Substitutes: Dorus De Vries, Christophe Berra, Roger Johnson, Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, Anthony Forde, Nenad Milijas. Steven Fletcher

Manager: Terry Connor.


Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Andre Santos, Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Yossi Benayoun, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Carl Jenkinson, Sebastian Squillaci, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ju Young Park, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal vs Manchester City 2011-12 Preview

I haven't been keeping well; I've been bed-ridden for the last three days and I have to say it sucks.

Anyway, Arsenal face off with a stuttering Man City today knowing a draw would not be good enough for both teams. We are a point off our noisy neighbours, while Chelsea and Newcastle have piled the pressure on us with wins to remain just two points below us.

Man City on the other hand, as of now, lie 8 points adrift of Man United and if they have any hopes of winning the league they need to go for it today, unlike the previous time they visited the Emirates when they were playing for a 0-0 and could muster a single shot on goal. Won't it be poetic justice if we do the exact same thing to them today and kill their title hopes? But thankfully Arsene does not play that way and we'll be in for an exiting match.

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Andre Santos, Johan Djourou, Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.


Manchester City(4-2-3-1): Joe Hart, Gael Clichy, Joleon Lescott, Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Gareth Barry, Yaya Toure, Mario Balotelli, Samir Nasri, James Milner, Sergio Aguero.

Substitutes: Costel Pantilimon, Aleksandar Kolarov, Micah Richards, Nigel De Jong, David Pizzaro, Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko.

Manager: Roberto Mancini.

Queens Park Rangers vs Arsenal 2011-12 Preview

I am unfashionably late for this one, due to personal reasons. Doesn't augur well. I just hope we nick the three points today without any injuries/suspensions.

Team Line Up:

Queens Park Rangers: Patrick Kenny, Taye Taiwo, Clint Hill, Anton Ferdinand, Nedum Onuoha, Adel Taarabt, Shaun Derry, Samba Diakite, Joey Barton, Bobby Zamora, Jamie Mackie.

Substitutes: Radek Cerny, Luke Young, Daniel Gabbidon, Akos Buzsaky, Shaun Wright-Phillips, D.J. Campbell. Jay Bothroyd.

Manager: Mark Hughes.


Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Andre Santos, Johan Djourou, Yossi Benayoun, Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa 2011-12 Preview

We kick off against Aston Villa today, knowing our rivals for the fourth(or third) place, Tottenham and Chelsea played out a 0-0 draw. We can move ahead of Chealsea by eight points if we take three points today.

We need to keep our winning momentum going and focus on getting the result today. Gervinho has been drafted in the starting line up in place of Ramsey and I hope he rediscovers his form soon. He has the pace and dribbling ability to take on opponents and lately, he has not been expressing himself fully on the pitch. 

Hope Rosicky gets a goal today, and keeps on continuing his resurgence. Theo has blown hot and cold and I hope we get the best out of him fot this one. Mikel and Alex should continue doing the great work they do in the midfield. The back four remains unchanged and though I would love to see Andre Santos back in the starting line up, Gibbs has done just enough to be ahead in the pecking order for now.

Dammit! It has just been updated that our most consistent defender this season, Laurent Koscielny has picked up a slight knee injury in the warm up and hence will be unable to play. The out of sorts Johan Djourou has been slotted in the starting line up and Carl Jenkinson makes it to the bench. This is not good, but I hope we scrape the win anyhow today.

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou,  Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Gervinho, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson, Aaron Ramsey, Yossi Benayoun, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Aston Villa(4-4-2): Shay Given, Stephen Warnock, James Collins, Carlos Cuellar, Alan Hutton, Christopher Herd, Stiliyan Petrov, Stephen Ireland, Marc Albrighton, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey.

Substitutes: Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj, Andreas Weimann, Gary Gardner, Samir Carruthers, Barry Bannan, Nathan Baker.

Manager: Alex McLeish.

Everton vs Arsenal 2011-12 Preview

I have run out of time today, the match is about to start. This will be an extremely short preview.

We travel to Goodison Park to face Everton as we look to continue our good run today. Our midfield lynchpin Mikel Arteta returns to his earlier home in the Premier League today. I hope we can sustain our winning momentum and carry it foeward to this game. In the reverse fixture at the Emirates this season, it took a wonder goal by Robin van Persie to settle the game for us. I hope we find our reserves if (and when, as Everton usually give us a tough game) needed and we can come out victorious.

Thoughts are due to former Gooner Fabrice Muamba who is recovering steadily after suffering a heart attack on the pitch durin Bolton's match against Tottenham. Hope he recovers well.


Team Line Ups:

Everton(4-4-1-1): Tim Howard, Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distain, Johnny Heitinga, Tony Hibbert, Steven Pienaar, Leon Osman, Marouane Fellaini, Royston Drenthe, Tim Cahill, Nicika Jelavic.

Substitutes: Jan Mucha, Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville, James McFadden, Magaye Gueye, Victor Anichebe, Denis Stracqualursi.

Manager: David Moyes.


Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Andre Santos, Johan Djourou, Yossi Benayoun, Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal vs Newcastle United 2011-12 Preview

OPPORTUNITIES + PAYBACK

Arsenal play Newcastle United with Champions League qualification up for grabs. With Tottenham stuttering and Liverpool faltering, it appears as that the three London clubs will battle it out for the third and fourth places for two spots in the Champions League. Newcastle, with 5 points adrift of us at fourth place, are the outsiders and they will be up for it if they want to have a crack at playing European football next season.

Newcastle have surprised many people with their performances this season and they have put in impressive results thanks largely to their Senegalese hitman Demba Ba. Though, it has to be said, they have had key performers in Cabaye, Tiote, Ben Arfa, Coloccini and goalie Tim Krul.

Nevertheless, one cannot help but remember the opening match of the season and how we got wrongfully punished by the inept referee because of Joey Barton's acting skills. And add last season's shocking 4-4 result at their ground, and it is clear we still have some unfinished business with the Magpies.

Hopefully, our players would have been well rested after the physically and emotionally draining 3-0 victory against Milan in the Champions League. Andre Santos makes his return after his injury and he makes it to the bench. Mikel Arteta has been passed fit to start after his injury in the Liverpool match and Aaron Ramsey also makes it to the bench after his brief layoff due to injury.

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott, Robin va Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Johan Djourou, Andre Santos, Aaron Ramsey, Yossi Benayoun, Gervinho, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.


Newcastle United(4-5-1): Timothy Krul, Davide Santon, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Danny Simpson, Gabriel Obertan, Jonas Gutierrez, Yohan Cabaye, Ismael Tiote, Hatem Ben Arfa, Demba Ba.

Substitutes: Robert Elliot, Dan Gosling, Haris Vuckic, Danny Guthrie, James Perch, Shola Ameobi, Papiss Demba Cisse.

Manager: Alan Pardew.

Arsenal vs AC Milan Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg Preview

MIRACLES??

Arsenal welcome AC Milan for the return leg of the Round of 16 knock out tie of the Champions League tonight. After our shambolic performance against the Rossoneri at the San Siro in the first leg, we are left facing a mountain to climb needing to win by 5 clear goals(or a penalty shootout win if we win 4-0). Many have termed our task as Mission Impossible, and you can say they are right to say so logically speaking.

But we are the Arsenal and I hope we can come out tonight and give the Milan side the fright of their lives. The manager has drummed up the team and he has sounded the war cry when he announced that we are going to go for it. Despite our injury problems - eight of out ten midfielders are injured - we are not looking for any excuses tonight and in Arsene's own words, "you can tell Milan that tomorrow we'll play on a football pitch, a real football pitch".

How we're going to go about it...I don't know to be frank. An early goal will really set the tone for the game. But this much I know: we're gunning for you Milan!

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-1-2-3/4-0-6!): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Alex Song, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Carl Jenkinson, Johan Djourou, Ignasi Miquel, Oguzhan Ozyakup, Ju Young Park, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.


AC Milan(4-3-3): Christian Abbiati, Djamel Mesbah, Thiago Silva, Phillipe Mexes, Ignazio Abate, Urby Emmanuelson, mark van Bommel, Antonio Nocerino, Stephan El Shaarawy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho.

Substitutes: Marco Amelia, Flavio Roma, Gianluca Zambrotta, Daniele Bonera, Simone Ganz, Alberto Aquilani, Mario Yepes.

Manager: Massimiliano Allegri.


Whatever happens, let's hold our heads high! COME ON ARSENAL!

Post Liverpool Thoughts

SMASH AND GRAB!

Arsenal went to Anfield and came away with three precious points, effectively killing Liverpool's hopes of securing a Champions League berth. Sweet revenge I would say, after the way they cheated us to grab a last minute equalizer with an undeserved penalty, via a Dirk Kuyt dive, last season. Inspired performance by our goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny(who saved a penalty and produced a stunning double save) and clinical finishing by Robin van Persie(who else!?) helped us grab the spoils.

I will be the first to admit we were far from our best. We struggled in our passing play, were insecure in defending and lacked creativity in attack. However, we(or should I say, van Persie) still took the only chances we had and despite Liverpool's shenanigans and the referee's ineptitude, we came away with a vital win.

To say Liverpool played dirty would be a big understatement. Under Kenny Daglish, Liverpool have shown signs of skulduggery and foul play and they were on full display during the game. These are highlighted as follows:

• Luis Suarez, while being a skilful player ( he dribbled through our entire defence, and only Szczesny's outstretched hand saved a certain goal), showed his full range of acting and diving skills. The way he got down theatrically - as if he got shot by a sniper - and clutched his knees while rolling around the pitch to con the referee into giving the penalty was truly pathetic. I have a new suggestion to add to FIFA's LET'S KICK RACISM OUT OF FOOTBALL quote. And that would be 

 LET'S KICK DIVING, CHEATING LUIS SUAREZ OUT OF FOOTBALL. 

• The remaining Liverpool/Loserpool players were not content to let Suarez take all the spotlight as they pushed, pulled, fouled and bad mouthed the referee(who had been biased to them all day) as they went about playing their ugly brand of football. They really are a shameless and a dirty bunch.
• And to top it off, Jordan Henderson's assault on Mikel Arteta left him unconscious on the pitch and he had to be stretchered off in an oxygen mask to be carried out in an ambulance. Thankfully Mikel has since recovered but it does not absolve Henderson of his thuggish act. Once again, the referee turned a blind eye on this.

The only saving grace about Liverpool throughout the game was the way the crowd applauded Arteta as he was carried off the pitch. It was a nice gesture and it showed there is still hope for the Merseysiders. And maybe if they get rid of Daglish, hire a better manager, play less kick and rush football, show some composure in front of goal and concentrate on their own game instead of diving and cheating all the time, they'll probably rise again.

In the end, justice was served as Wojciech Szczesny thwarted all of Liverpool's attempts and Robin van Persie finished his chances with aplomb thus putting a smile on Arsenal fans' faces.

Liverpool vs Arsenal 2011-12 Preview

TIME FOR REVENGE

Remember this time last year? We were still chasing for the title, we scored in the 108th minute(!!!) and with the last attack of the game, Liverpool get one of the most undeserved of penalties after Dirk Kuyt dived in the most theatrical way possible. That incident ended the career of Emmanuel Eboue at Arsenal and he has left to foreign shores since.

Recap to the previous meeting this season and a depleted Arsenal were manfully going for it and giving the supposed title challengers a game when Frimpong got sent off, then Liverpool scored via an own goal and an offside goal.

It's clear we have some unfinished business to take care of.

And now, with the same Liverpool side grappling frantically as they vie for a Champions League spot(they are 7 points adrift of us in 4th place, though they have a game in hand against their rivals Everton), we have the chance to dump them off for good. It won't be easy. Liverpool will probably set themselves up to play counter attack(even at home). But if we show the same kind of spirit, determination and chance-takeability(!!) as we showed against Spurs last week, we'll be in a great position to grab three precious points today.

Team Line Ups:

Liverpool: Pepe Reina, Jose Enrique, Martin Skrtel, Jamie Carragher, Martin Kelly, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jay Spearing, Jordan Henderson, Dirk Kuyt, Luis Suarez.

Substitutes: Doni, Sebastian Coates, Jonathan Flanagan, Jonjo Shelvey, Maxi Rodriguez, Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll.

Manager: Kenny Daglish.

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Carl Jenkinson, Ignasi Miquel, Abou Diaby, Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur 2011-12 Preview

As I am woefully late for a preview, I will try to redeem myself with a second half preview/half time thoughts for the match.

First Half Thoughts:

- We started the game slowly, still feeling the hangover from last week's disappointing results.
- Tottenham scored from a lucky deflection, still we were way too easily caught out.

- Referee Mike Dean was shit as usual. While he ignored our penalty claim, he fell for a Gareth Bale dive. Greedybayor converted the resulting penalty.
- Two nil down and it was the same horror story all over again. But this time we went for it.
- Bacary Sagna pulled one back with a well directed header from a cross.
- Robin van Persie equalized with a delightful strike from outside the box.


Team Line Ups;

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Ignasi Miquel, Carl Jenkinson, Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ju Young Park, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.


Tottenham(4-4-2): Brad Friedel, Benot Assou-Ekotto, Ledley King, Younes Kaboul, Kyle Walker, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Scott Parker, Niko Kranjcar, Louis Saha, Emmanuel Adebayor.

Substitutes: Carlo Cudicini, Michael Dawson, Danny Rose, Sandro, Rafael van der Vaart, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe.

Manager: Harry Redknapp.

Sunderland vs Arsenal FA Cup 5th Round Preview

TIME TO STAND UP AND FIGHT

After that horror show in Milan, we are up against Sunderland yet again, this time for the FA Cup. With that kind of shitty performance, we can wave the Champions League farewell for this season. I would sum up with four words: 

WE DIDN'T TURN UP

It seemed as if we were playing in fear. There was no sign of confidence anywhere. It was as if the whole team got affected by 'Arshavinitis'. We made simple mistakes, were clueless with the ball(it hardly crossed the halfway line), didn't cover for each other, didn't track the opposition well and didn't move around the pitch to be available to receive a pass. It was a shambles.

So with the only possible chance of silverware to play for this season, we better turn up tonight.

Team Line Ups:

Sunderland(4-5-1): Simon Mignolet, Kieran Richardson, Michael Turner, John O'Shea, Phil Bardsley, James McClean, Craig Gardner, Lee Cattermole, Jack Colback, Sebastian Larsson, Stephane Sessegnon.

Substitutes: Kieren Westwood, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Wayne Bridge, David Meyler, Ahmed Elmohamady, Frazier Campbell, Ji Dong Won.

Manager: Martin O'Neill.

Arsenal(4-2-1-3): Lukasz Fabianski, Francis Coquelin, Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey, Gervinho, Robin van Persie, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Substitutes: Wojciech Szczesny, Sebastian Squillaci, Tomas Rosicky, Yossi Benayoun, Andrey Arshavin, Theo Walcott, Marouane Chamakh.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

AC Milan vs Arsenal Champions League Round of 16 Preview

Match Preview:

So, after its brief hiatus, Champions League football returns as Arsenal travel to the San Siro to face AC Milan in this enticing knock out tie, which is, on paper, the match up of the Round of 16. This match is in some ways, the clash of the opposites: Milan forever an ageing side, renowned for their defensive strength and Arsenal forever a young side, known for attacking football.

Both sides have suffered hiccups lately, and both sides registered come from behind wins against tricky opponents in the weekend.

Formation Match up:

Milan: 

From footballuser.com

AC Milan under Massililiano Allegri deploy a 4-3-1-2 formation. They stifle the opposition in the midfield with their numbers and tend to play very narrow. They rely on Abate and Robinho for providing width, which is not their forte.

Milan also rely usually on individual skill of the forwards for goals, though Clarence Seedorf could be a danger man if he is allowed space to make passes for the forwards.

Arsenal:

From footballuser.com

Arsenal on the other hand, have incorporated more wing play in their system this season. We now have direct, fact and pacy wingers in Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho and Arshavin in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-1-3 system. This has led to them creating countless chances for the captain Robin van Persie.

Mikel Arteta remains the key for Arsenal's midfield. Without him, Arsenal have really struggled to make use of and even hold on to the ball. He does the job of ticking the midfield and linking up play masterfully.

Advantage areas:

For Milan:

Milan normally enjoy having midfield advantage of 4 vs 3 when playing against a 4-3-3 side. They dominate the possession and crowd out the narrow midfield area.

For Arsenal:

Arsenal would have a big advantage down the wings when playing against Milan. The wingers would have a field day and if the Arsenal full backs provide attacking help, Arsenal would be deadly from wide areas.

BUT, ARSENE WENGER HAS MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS TO THE STARTING LINE UP TONIGHT by playing BOTH Ramsey and Rosicky. This makes a big difference to the above mentioned tactics as Arsenal will look to match Milan's four man midfield.

Key Milan Players:

Ibrahimovic

van Bommel

Thiago Silva

Key Arsenal Players:

Vermaelen/Koscielny

Arteta

van Persie

Strategy:

Milan are likely to be cautious and will look to avoid conceding the away goal. For Arsenal, it will be the opposite as we look for the aforementioned away goal. Still,it looks like a cat and mouse affair is on the cards as both managers are looking to play safe and see out the opposition.

As an aside, the Boss is unhappy with the state of the San Siro pitch. A tactical move by Milan to nullify the Arsenal wingers? It remains to be seen.

Whatever the result may be, this tie does looks like it will go all the way to the return leg in two weeks time.

COME ON ARSENAL!!!

Sunderland vs Arsenal 2011-12 Preview

Owing to lack of time(I have just fie minutes left till the match starts), I'm previewing today's match using bullet points. And here they go:

• We put on a really clinical show in the last match against Blackburn, scoring 7 goals out of 8 shots on goal.
• Theo Walcott heard me and shut me up well and good. I hope he keeps doing that for the rest of the season.
• Alex Oxlade chamberlain impressed me, among other things, with his composure for his first goal. (Maybe Gervinho had a chat with him after the game, he scored that cracking goal in the African Nations Cup).
• Thierry Henry scored in his last ever appearance in the new home of Arsenal. Nice of Robin to give the scoring opportunity to the King.
• We now start a run of vital games that will make or break our season. And it begins with a stern test against Martin O'Neill's men at the Stadium of Light.
• Sunderland played 120 minutes of football in midweek, with almost their first team. We need to capitalize on their fading energy late in the game.
• We need to keep up the good work and get the vital win.

 Team Line Ups:

Sunderland(4-4-1-1): Simon Mignolet, Kieran Richardson, Michael Turner, John O'Shea, Phil Bardsley, James McClean, Jack Colback, Craig Gardner, Sebastian Larsson, Stephane Sessegnon, Frazier Campbell.

Substitutes: Kieren Westwood, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Wayne Bridge, David Meyler, Ahmed Elmohamady, Ji Dong Won, Connor Wickham.

Manager: Martin O'Neill.


Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, ThomasVermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Kieran Gibbs, Francis Coquelin, Aaron Ramsey, Yossi Benayoun, Andrey Arshavin, Thierry Henry.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal vs Blackburn Rover 2011-12 Preview

With 15 games to go, we are currently placed in 7th position with 37 ponts and 5 points behind Chelsea at fourth place. The margin for error keeps shrinking every game and the two points dropped in midweek against Bolton may yet come back to haunt us. We created at least two clear cut chances in the first half alone and had we taken them, we would have at least kept up the pressure on those ahead of us. No more dropped points should be the mantra now if we are to finish fourth.

Theo Walcott has really not got going this season and he needs to buckle up and start proving his worth. He was clean through on goal in the last game and he once again failed to score when one on one with the keeper. Similarly, Aaron Ramsey was offered a golden chance but he lacked composure at the vital moment and toe poked the ball harmlessly to the opposition goalkeeper. We simply cannot afford to be profligate anymore and as I so frequently say, we need to take our chances. As Mikel Arteta said post game, we're not going to get 15 chances to win every game and we need to convert whatever few chances we get. This fact is even harder to bear when most of the time, the opposition scores with their first(and sometimes only) shot on goal.

Against Bolton, we started brightly and the home side's defence was at sixes and sevens during the opening period. This was also the period where we created the best chances. as the game progressed, their defence tightened up and it became more difficult to find space. I hope that we come out in full force against Blackburn today, when hopefully their defence is disorganized, and convert some of our chances to goals early.

Arsene Wenger has made two changes from the side that played in midweek, with Francis Coquelin and Tomas Rosicky coming in for Bacary Sagna and the jaded Aaron Ramsey. Surprisingly, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in the starting line up despite injury concerns about his knee. Blackburn are without Chris Samba and Yakubu for the match.

Here's to an Arsenal win(with the usual "without any injuries" wish of course)!

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Francis Coquelin, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Tom.as Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Bacary Sagna, Aaron Ramsey, Yossi Benayoun, Andrey Arshavin, Ju Young Park, Thierry Henry.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Blackburn Rovers(4-5-1): Paul Robinson, Martin Olsson, Gael Givet, Scott Dann, Jason Lowe, David Hoilett, Steven Nzonzi, Radosav Petrovic, Morten Gamst Pedersen, David Dunn, Anthony Modeste.

Substitutes: Mark Bunn, Bradley Orr, Ruben Rochina, Mauro Formica, Simon Vukcevic, Grant Hanley, David Goodwillie.

Manager: Steve Kean.

Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal 2011-12 Preview

Having yet to get a point in the Premier League this year, Arsenal travel away to Bolton for this match. Having said that, we came back from 2-0 down against Aston Villa in the FA Cup and I hope we can carry forward that winning momentum. The team showed real urgency and a desire to get the ball at the back of the net which is great to see, and which makes me wonder why we need to be behind or wait for the dying minutes of a match to play that way.

Anyway, if we have learnt any lessons from the last match, we will do well to start at a high tempo and take our chances. Of course we have been weakened by injuries to several key players and thankfully some of them are back or coming back to the team now. We have sorely missed the ever reliable Sagna at right back and our defence, passing fluency and thereby attack have really suffered in his absence these past few months. We also welcome back our midfield pass machine Arteta without whom we have looked like a disjointed side: unable to either make use of the ball or to keep possession under pressure.

Team Line Ups:

Bolton Wanderers: Adam Bogdan, Sam Ricketts, David Wheater, Zat Knight, Gretar Strinsson, Martin Petrov, Nigel Reo Coker, Fabrice Muamba, Chris Eagles, Mark Davies, David Ngog.

Substitutes: Jussi Jaaskelainen, Dedryk Boyata, Joe Riley, Darren Pratley, Ivan Klasnic, Kevin Davies, Tuncay Sanli.

Manager: Owen Coyle.


Arsenal(4-3-3): Wojciech Szczesny, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott.

Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Francis Coquelin, Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky, Andrey Arshavin, Ju Young Park, Thierry Henry.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa FA Cup Preview

Having come so far this new year without a single league point, we are back where we started at the beginning of the season. Injuries to key players and poor form of many of our players have resulted in disastrous results leading to three successive league defeats. Morale is yet again low after our less than impressive performances in 2012. 

The FA Cup provides us the opportunity to make right some of our shortcomings and with the gradual return of our first team players, we may yet finish the season strongly. Hopefully, we can build a good momentum and claim a spot for the Champions League.

Francis Coquelin is back from injury and he is avaiable to deputise at right back. Lukasz Fabianski has been handed a start and I hope he does well. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has maintained his place and it will be seen how he continues his development. Thierry Henry is back on the subs bench for this one, as are Mikel Arteta and bacary Sagna.

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-3-3): Lukasz Fabianski, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Francis Coquelin, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott.

Substitutes: Wojciech Szczesny, Bacary Sagna, Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun, Andrey Arshavin, Ju Young Park, Thierry Henry.

Manager: Arsene Wenger

Aston Villa: Shay Given, Alan Hutton, Carlos Cuellar, Richard Dunne, Stephen Warnock, Ciaran Clark, Stephen Ireland, Martin Petrov, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Robbie Keane, Darren Bent.

Substitutes: Brad Guzan, Barry Bannan, Eric Lichaj, Gary Gardner, Andreas Wiemann, Nathan Baker, Emile Heskey.

Manager: Alex McLeish.

Arsenal vs Manchester United 2011-12 Preview

Match Preview:

This is a match which couldn't have come at a worse time for us Arsenal fans. Our team have been crippled by injuries and we have subsequently lost our last two league matches. Add to it two players who have departed for the African Cup of Nations and we are without Arteta, Sagna, Jenkinson, Santos, Gibbs, Gervinho, Chamakh, Diaby, Coquelin, Wilshere and Thierry Henry for the game.

With so many injuries, we have had to play on the backfoot in recent games. The absence of all our regular fullbacks have forced us to make do with players players playing out of position in the full back areas and hence our game has lacked width which is such a vital aspect of our game to stretch the opposition. Add to it the absence of our most consistent midfielder this season in Mikel Arteta, we have really suffered in our possession play and his absence was clearly felt against Swansea where we were simply outpassed and the midfield overrun.

And I still remember not so fondly the last time we met those scums. Even though I would dearly love us to give them a thrashing, I don't see it happening but I hope we put in a much better performance than on that forgettable day. At this moment, even a draw would be a good result (though I'd hate to draw after being in a winning position!).

COME ON ARSENAL!

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-3-3): Wojciech Szczesny, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Johan Djourou, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Song, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott.

Substitutes: Manuel Almunia, Sebastian Squillaci, Ignasi Miquel, Nico Yennaris, Yossi Benyoun, Andrey Arshavin, Ju Young Park.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.


Manchester United(4-4-2): Anders Lindegaard, Patrice Evra, Johnny Evans, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Nani, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck.

Substitutes: David De Gea, Fabio, Rafael, Paul Scholes, Ji Sung Park, Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov.

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson.

Swansea City vs Arsenal 2011-12 Preview

Arsenal are up against Swansea today as we look to catch up with the teams ahead of us. Swansea have a very good home record this season and they have conceded just four goals at their home ground.

And with Arsenal missing our pass master Mkel Arteta from the midfield, it is crucial that we take our chances today. This looks like a tight and a low scoring affair, and we should look to be disciplined from set pieces.

Our goalscoring hero from the midweek game, Thierry Henry is on the bench and I hope to see him again, though I'd like him to consolidating score a goal rather than a winning goal(not that I would mind him scoring the winner a la Leeds).


Team Line Ups:

Swansea(4-5-1): Michael Vorm, Neil Taylor, Ashley Williams, Steven Caulker, Angel Rangel, Scott Sinclair, Joe Allen, Leon Britton, Kenny Agustein, Nathan Dyer, Danny Graham.

Substitutes: Gerhard Tremmel, Ashley Richards, Gilfy Sigurdsson, Gary Monk, Wayne Routledge, Luke Moore, Leroy Lita.

Manager: Brendan Rodgers.


Arsenal(4-3-3): Wojciech Szczesny, Ignasi Miquel Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Johan Djourou, Yossi Benayoun, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey, Andrey Arshavin, Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott.

Substitutes: Manuel Almunia, Sebastian Squillaci, Nico Yennaris, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ju Young Park, Thierry Henry.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal vs Leeds FA Cup Preview

The Return of the King

I really don't think anything more needs to be said about this.

Thierry Henry is back. He's back where he started it all and I hope he puts in a decent performance when called upon tonight. He's on the bench for this one but let's hope that he is fit and sharp enough for this one.

Apart from that, Arsene has announced a strong playing eleven, even though Robin van Persie has been given the day off. The other talking point is that Arsene has retained the first choice midfield and whether they are fit enough to last the entire ninety minutes remains to be seen.

Team Line Ups:

Arsenal(4-3-3): Wojciech Szczesny, Ignasi Miquel, Laurent Koscielny, Sebastian Squillaci, Francis Coquelin, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Song, Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Substitutes: Damian Martinez, Nico Yennaris, Yossi Benayoun, Ryo Miyaichi, Theo Walcott, Ju Young Park, Thierry Henry.

Manager: Arsene Wenger.


Leeds United: Lonergan, Thompson, lees, O'Dea, White, Townsend, Clayton, Vayrynen, Pugh, Nunez, Becchio.

Substitutes: Bruce, Brown ,Sam, Forssell,, Taylor, Parker, McCormack.

Manager: Simon Grayson.