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Date:Thursday April 2 2009
Time: 9:19PM
UK time is: 00:31:30
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Theo And Ade To Start Up Front On Saturday?
The international break has once again wrecked havoc on the Arsenal squad. I don't know what is more frustrating, losing four key players this week, or me actually letting myself believe that we would have everyone available for the City game.
Let me take an inventory check of our squad for the upcoming game. The entire defense came through unscathed. This is great news considering on Wednesday Sagna survived a vicious plot concocted by Coward Webb and a Lithuania player whose goal was to amputate Bacray's ankle from his leg. Moving on to the midfield, Andrey Arshavin is also back from Russia fit, even though Azerbaijan's tactics were to break open the stitches he received during halftime of the Blackburn game. Cowardly bastards. Injuries to those two players as well would have been death to us. As far as I know Denilson did not travel anywhere, so he should be rested and ready to play. Yesterday the Boss declared that Cesc was fit to play, though he will need a few games to get his sharpness back. Cesc will be forced into the starting eleven on Saturday because of the injury to Diaby. As for the last midfield spot, I suspect Nasri will recover from his illness to complete a dream midfield. Since Arshavin joined the squad in February, all Arsenal fans have been waiting for the combination of Arshavin, Denilson, Fabregas, and Nasri to get their chance to shine on the pitch. It seems like Saturday will be that day.
Who will start up front though is really up for grabs. van Persie and Eduardo are definitely out, while Carlos Vela will return too late from Mexico's abysmal losing effort in Honduras to get his opportunity at striker. Bendtner has supposedly sent a text message, of all things, to the club declaring his fitness. Now Nik wasn't fit to start on Wednesday but due to an injury to another Denmark striker early on he was forced to play the last hour. I have my doubts to whether he will be fit come Saturday. Now this leaves Walcott and Adebayor. They have only played up top together once before, Villa at home last season. Starting with an untried partnership, in which both players have only just returned from injury, is extremely dangerous in such an important game, but the break has seemingly left Arsene with no other choice if he wants to stick with a 4-4-2.
Here is my projected starting lineup. Almunia in goal. Sagna, Gallas, Toure, and Clichy at the back. Arshavin, Denilson, Fabregas, and Nasri making up a mouth watering midfield, and Walcott to partner Adebayor up top.
Even with all the injuries, that lineup leaves a bit of drool on my lower lip and it will definitely strike fear in our opponents. Considering City's own crisis (Bellamy and Robinho might not make the trip down south to London), I feel Arsenal will still have plenty of firepower to take down Citeh. Come 5 o'clock on Saturday, Arsenal will have declared their intentions of finishing this season with a bang to the entire continent!
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Your Comments
They played up front in the 7-0 Champions League match. I expect that team too, but with Arshavin in behind Ade. But I hope it is the way you have it. Walcott doesn't have it on the wing for me.
Tom14
They played up front in the 7-0 Champions League match. I expect that team too, but with Arshavin in behind Ade. But I hope it is the way you have it. Walcott doesn't have it on the wing for me.
Tom14
Ah thank you Tom. I forgot about that match. For me I think Walcott's apprenticeship on the wing is coming to an end. Next season he will get more chances up front, though he is so dangerous on the wing when he comes on as a sub.
gunnerkid107
Ah thank you Tom. I forgot about that match. For me I think Walcott's apprenticeship on the wing is coming to an end. Next season he will get more chances up front, though he is so dangerous on the wing when he comes on as a sub.
gunnerkid107
any more news on the injuries of Van Persie, Eduardo & Diaby? will they be available for the trip to Villareal?
luckys_10
any more news on the injuries of Van Persie, Eduardo & Diaby? will they be available for the trip to Villareal?
luckys_10
Is Eduardo injured again ?
Why is it that we always get our players finally fit before an international, only for them to come back hobbled.
Why don't Ronaldo, Burgulartov, Essien, Terry, Gerrard, Torres come back with injuries after international games ?
Englishman-in-NY
Is Eduardo injured again ?
Why is it that we always get our players finally fit before an international, only for them to come back hobbled.
Why don't Ronaldo, Burgulartov, Essien, Terry, Gerrard, Torres come back with injuries after international games ?
Englishman-in-NY
I expect that we will hear some more official news on the injured trio tomorrow, but for now all we know is that they are out for Saturday. http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/cesc-adebayor-and-walcott-back-for-man-city
gunnerkid107
I expect that we will hear some more official news on the injured trio tomorrow, but for now all we know is that they are out for Saturday. http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/cesc-adebayor-and-walcott-back-for-man-city
gunnerkid107
I think it more likely Arshavin would start upfront with Ade. In any case, I think Nasri will be on the bench, Walcott and Arshavin on the wings with Bendtner and Ade upfront. Bendtner and Arshavin can swap over too if needs be. Oh and Englishman in NY, in fairness, Torres has pulled a hammy on three separate occasions with Spain in the last twelve months!
Little Dutch
I think it more likely Arshavin would start upfront with Ade. In any case, I think Nasri will be on the bench, Walcott and Arshavin on the wings with Bendtner and Ade upfront. Bendtner and Arshavin can swap over too if needs be. Oh and Englishman in NY, in fairness, Torres has pulled a hammy on three separate occasions with Spain in the last twelve months!
Little Dutch
This is bitchy of me but I wonder if Ade will pass to Arshavin. Sorry. Seriously, I'm very curious to see what Ade and Arshavin look like playing together (and of course, Cesc and Arshavin). Eduardo worries me, I'm afraid he'll become like Diaby since Dan Smith smashed his ankle. Out of all our players, for me Diaby remains a continuing enigma. He's got amazing skills and scores fantastic goals but he never gets enuf games to show us if he'll ever be more than a luxury player. Praying-praying-praying that injuries to RVP and Eduardo are short-term, and that Nasri stops picking up these viruses! What is it with him? He's always picking up some bug or other! He was out for most of his last season at Marseille due to meningitis.
jaelle
This is bitchy of me but I wonder if Ade will pass to Arshavin. Sorry. Seriously, I'm very curious to see what Ade and Arshavin look like playing together (and of course, Cesc and Arshavin). Eduardo worries me, I'm afraid he'll become like Diaby since Dan Smith smashed his ankle. Out of all our players, for me Diaby remains a continuing enigma. He's got amazing skills and scores fantastic goals but he never gets enuf games to show us if he'll ever be more than a luxury player. Praying-praying-praying that injuries to RVP and Eduardo are short-term, and that Nasri stops picking up these viruses! What is it with him? He's always picking up some bug or other! He was out for most of his last season at Marseille due to meningitis.
jaelle
Arshavin and Ade would be a good pairing in my eyes. Ade needs selfless quality around him, not a player like van Persie (I have never likes their partnership)
Tom14
Arshavin and Ade would be a good pairing in my eyes. Ade needs selfless quality around him, not a player like van Persie (I have never likes their partnership)
Tom14
Adebayor has 8 assists this season, one of our statistically more selfless players.
Little Dutch
Adebayor has 8 assists this season, one of our statistically more selfless players.
Little Dutch
just goes to show how statistics can be used to reflect fantasy as well as reality.
I wish Ade would just **** off already, and take Ebouseless with him.
I wonder how many of the 8 assists were actually attempted shots that got nearer another player than the corner flag/row Z/the Chinese Fish and Chip shop on Avenell Road/the tail of Haley's comet...
Englishman-in-NY
just goes to show how statistics can be used to reflect fantasy as well as reality.
I wish Ade would just **** off already, and take Ebouseless with him.
I wonder how many of the 8 assists were actually attempted shots that got nearer another player than the corner flag/row Z/the Chinese Fish and Chip shop on Avenell Road/the tail of Haley's comet...
Englishman-in-NY
I agree that Ade and Arshavin would work well together. I also think that with more competition and criticism for him coming in, Adebayor may finally put his foot on the pedal and start to perform again. I haven't given up hope on him returning to last season's form just yet. He should know by now that he's going to have to work to keep his place.
ArsenalRob
I agree that Ade and Arshavin would work well together. I also think that with more competition and criticism for him coming in, Adebayor may finally put his foot on the pedal and start to perform again. I haven't given up hope on him returning to last season's form just yet. He should know by now that he's going to have to work to keep his place.
ArsenalRob
Do we know if anyone is definately out for Villareal then?
ArsenalRob
Do we know if anyone is definately out for Villareal then?
ArsenalRob
Before Ade got injured I believed that he would spring to life in the Champions League, but then he got hurt before the Roma game. I still believe he will come good this season in Europe and that he holds the key for European success for Arsenal.
gunnerkid107
Before Ade got injured I believed that he would spring to life in the Champions League, but then he got hurt before the Roma game. I still believe he will come good this season in Europe and that he holds the key for European success for Arsenal.
gunnerkid107
If Nasri is fit, I would like to see us retain our 1-3-2-4 formation with ade up front, nasri/arshavin/theo behind him and cesc/denilson sitting deeper. I think Cesc is best when he isnt played too far forward, so he gets plenty of time on the ball and can dictate play.
NoFitState
If Nasri is fit, I would like to see us retain our 1-3-2-4 formation with ade up front, nasri/arshavin/theo behind him and cesc/denilson sitting deeper. I think Cesc is best when he isnt played too far forward, so he gets plenty of time on the ball and can dictate play.
NoFitState
NFS, please do the formation the other way round. I thought you had gone mental for a second! :D FOUR strikers!
Tom14
NFS, please do the formation the other way round. I thought you had gone mental for a second! :D FOUR strikers!
Tom14
What happened to BooBoo? I thought he was fit?
sunaadh
What happened to BooBoo? I thought he was fit?
sunaadh
What happened to Eduardo? I saw him score in the Croatia game.
Ozi Gooner
What happened to Eduardo? I saw him score in the Croatia game.
Ozi Gooner
Tweaked his groin in the 80th minute against ******* Andorra. Why he is on the pitch for the whole game against Andorra is beyond me.
gunnerkid107
Tweaked his groin in the 80th minute against ******* Andorra. Why he is on the pitch for the whole game against Andorra is beyond me.
gunnerkid107
Yeah, and of course Modric was on the bench for that game... F*CK INTERNATIONALS
TPowell
Yeah, and of course Modric was on the bench for that game... F*CK INTERNATIONALS
TPowell
What? Dudu was on again for the whole damn match only to get screwed again? This is killing me. And to be against Andorra. We seriously need to file for compensations asap. We're the only team to ever suffer from such crap fixtures.
stukazufuss
What? Dudu was on again for the whole damn match only to get screwed again? This is killing me. And to be against Andorra. We seriously need to file for compensations asap. We're the only team to ever suffer from such crap fixtures.
stukazufuss
I'm not the kind of fan who thinks internationals are completely pointless. But when it comes to getting our Gunners injured, ARGGHHHHH!!
GoonerLou
I'm not the kind of fan who thinks internationals are completely pointless. But when it comes to getting our Gunners injured, ARGGHHHHH!!
GoonerLou
I guess Bendtner and AA could come before Theo to partner Ade up front. If it's flu, Nasri could hopefully be back on Sat too. What a midfield, at long last! :)
GoonerLou
I guess Bendtner and AA could come before Theo to partner Ade up front. If it's flu, Nasri could hopefully be back on Sat too. What a midfield, at long last! :)
GoonerLou
Tom14, Haha. Whoops, sorry :p
NoFitState
Tom14, Haha. Whoops, sorry :p
NoFitState
The reality is that Adebayor has 12 goals and 8 assists in 27 appearances this season. He hasn't played as well as he did last year, partly because he's not had an untroubled fitness record this year, partly because we're not creating as many chances. The fantasy is that he has been absolutely 100% useless and has become a bad player over night. The guy might be a bit of a moron and certainly behaved that way in the summer, but a bad player he isn't.
Little Dutch
The reality is that Adebayor has 12 goals and 8 assists in 27 appearances this season. He hasn't played as well as he did last year, partly because he's not had an untroubled fitness record this year, partly because we're not creating as many chances. The fantasy is that he has been absolutely 100% useless and has become a bad player over night. The guy might be a bit of a moron and certainly behaved that way in the summer, but a bad player he isn't.
Little Dutch
I agree to an extent LD. But he does not put in as much effort closing people down, making runs etc. I dont know if this was to do with him playing with injuries/niggles. On another point, i think Wengers idea to give a point every goal you win by is silly. It means that if you lost a head to head against liverpool 3-0 on a bad day, they could gain 6 points on you.. Leave it as it is i say.
paul_ownz
I agree to an extent LD. But he does not put in as much effort closing people down, making runs etc. I dont know if this was to do with him playing with injuries/niggles. On another point, i think Wengers idea to give a point every goal you win by is silly. It means that if you lost a head to head against liverpool 3-0 on a bad day, they could gain 6 points on you.. Leave it as it is i say.
paul_ownz
I wouldn't disagree with that Paul. AWs suggestion in the past had always been to award a point for every three goals, i.e. if you win 3-0 you get 4 points instead of three. I have to say I'm not a fan of these suggestions, I consider the league as it is to be the purest form of competition and don't really think that system needs overhauling. As you point out, someone could end up in a completely false position based on one freak game. Say we lead Villa by four points on the last day and they go onto win 12-0 because they're playing someone who has already been relegated and has fifteen first team players ill and injured.
Little Dutch
I wouldn't disagree with that Paul. AWs suggestion in the past had always been to award a point for every three goals, i.e. if you win 3-0 you get 4 points instead of three. I have to say I'm not a fan of these suggestions, I consider the league as it is to be the purest form of competition and don't really think that system needs overhauling. As you point out, someone could end up in a completely false position based on one freak game. Say we lead Villa by four points on the last day and they go onto win 12-0 because they're playing someone who has already been relegated and has fifteen first team players ill and injured.
Little Dutch
An extra point for 3 goals is more exceptable. Imagine if a point per goal was awarded, a team like Man City who have won by some big margins at home could be in 3rd or 4th place despite losing 14 games
paul_ownz
An extra point for 3 goals is more exceptable. Imagine if a point per goal was awarded, a team like Man City who have won by some big margins at home could be in 3rd or 4th place despite losing 14 games
paul_ownz
I can't believe I'm going to miss out on see that mid-field in front of my own eyes as I missed out on getting a ticket. But it's sure is mouth watering, I hope it bring us 3pts!
hackneyval
I can't believe I'm going to miss out on see that mid-field in front of my own eyes as I missed out on getting a ticket. But it's sure is mouth watering, I hope it bring us 3pts!
hackneyval
Can i just ask everyone not to set their expectations too high over this midfield for Saturday. It is a great lineup and I have been desperately looking forward to seeing it in action too, but please bear in mind that Cesc hasn't played in 4 months, Sami has just had flu, and it is their first time playing together. Having said that, it is a **** good midfield! At last, I have recently been very nostalgic and have been missing Pires, Viera, Ljungberg, Bergkamp and Henry more than ever, so it's nice to have some quality back.
ArsenalRob
Can i just ask everyone not to set their expectations too high over this midfield for Saturday. It is a great lineup and I have been desperately looking forward to seeing it in action too, but please bear in mind that Cesc hasn't played in 4 months, Sami has just had flu, and it is their first time playing together. Having said that, it is a **** good midfield! At last, I have recently been very nostalgic and have been missing Pires, Viera, Ljungberg, Bergkamp and Henry more than ever, so it's nice to have some quality back.
ArsenalRob
Sorry to burst your bubbles guys, Nasri aint playing tomorrow. He apparently did'nt recover from the flu.
deledudu
Sorry to burst your bubbles guys, Nasri aint playing tomorrow. He apparently did'nt recover from the flu.
deledudu
The starting line up will be. Almunia, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue, Denilson, Fabregas, Walcott, Arshavin & Bendtner. Thats my oppinion anyway.
paul_ownz
The starting line up will be. Almunia, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue, Denilson, Fabregas, Walcott, Arshavin & Bendtner. Thats my oppinion anyway.
paul_ownz
Paul u think we're good enough to go into the game with 10 men and still get 3pt's.:)
gunner24
Paul u think we're good enough to go into the game with 10 men and still get 3pt's.:)
gunner24
haha yes, yes i do. Eboue is so good he can play right mid and right back. This cuts out having to form a relationship with the man in front of you. Just have one do both jobs.
paul_ownz
haha yes, yes i do. Eboue is so good he can play right mid and right back. This cuts out having to form a relationship with the man in front of you. Just have one do both jobs.
paul_ownz
****, possibly no Robin, Eduardo and Abou for Teusday either. Maybe not even Sam. I really have this feeling that Eduardo could be very effective in this tie, really hope he recovers quickly! As for Citeh, I think Djourou might play, as both Kolo and Billy played vs Newcastle, and internationaly and will most likely start on Teusday, whereas Djourou's last game was vs Hull.
ArsenalRob
****, possibly no Robin, Eduardo and Abou for Teusday either. Maybe not even Sam. I really have this feeling that Eduardo could be very effective in this tie, really hope he recovers quickly! As for Citeh, I think Djourou might play, as both Kolo and Billy played vs Newcastle, and internationaly and will most likely start on Teusday, whereas Djourou's last game was vs Hull.
ArsenalRob
I wonder how Eboue & Toure will be affected by the Ivory Coast fans who died in the stadium
paul_ownz
I wonder how Eboue & Toure will be affected by the Ivory Coast fans who died in the stadium
paul_ownz
I would not worry about who is out, lets think about who is in the team. Fabregas, Adebayor, Walcott, Bendtner and Nasri (if he is fit) are good enough to beat Villareal.
Tom14
I would not worry about who is out, lets think about who is in the team. Fabregas, Adebayor, Walcott, Bendtner and Nasri (if he is fit) are good enough to beat Villareal.
Tom14
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