Arsenal build-up thread #3

[dww]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_BGkFYHG5Y

Which rather begs the question how do you pronounce v=R_BGkFYHG5Y?

[Marky]

Very quiet lads. Not long to go now.

Nerves are starting to kick in.

This could go either way.

[Rich]

I reckon we'll start with the same team we started with at the Emirates in the first leg.

With Crouch ready to come on if something bad happens; I think changing our shape for this game would be a HUGE gamble and one that Rafa surely wont contemplate.

It will be tough, but if Babel can keep Toure occupied, I'm sure Torres has too much wit and pace for Gallas and Senderos.

[Shaggy]

Just seen Rafa's press conference on SSN.

He reckons he "needs to decide" after Crouch gave him "something to think about, no?".

Naturally he's likely to be bluffing but he spoke glowingly about Crouch and acknowledged that "against Arsenal, he is usually scoring goals, so we need to decide...".

[Skillz]

Just seen Rafa's press conference on SSN.

He reckons he "needs to decide" after Crouch gave him "something to think about, no?".

Naturally he's likely to be bluffing but he spoke glowingly about Crouch and acknowledged that "against Arsenal, he is usually scoring goals, so we need to decide...".

5-3-2 / 3-5-2

Been thinking about it all day. Would be gutsy but why not, strong defensively and gives Torres a helping hand while creating a nightmare for Wenger.

[Marky]

Just seen Rafa's press conference on SSN.

He reckons he "needs to decide" after Crouch gave him "something to think about, no?".

Naturally he's likely to be bluffing but he spoke glowingly about Crouch and acknowledged that "against Arsenal, he is usually scoring goals, so we need to decide...".

I'd be amazed if Rafa starts Crouch tomorrow night.

He will have a part to play though, for sure.

[DeeTheDog]

As well as Crouch played, it doesn't make sense to change the formation which has proven so successful over the past few month, barring United. He certainly is an excellent option and Arsenal have struggled when playing against him; however, we are sure to be playing counter-attack and Crouch is too static when breaking quickly.

I would like to see Finnan retained at the right back slot and Carragher returned to the centre, Finnan’s experience could be vital and as good a defender Carragher is, he squanders possession far too easily at full back. Sami’s experience and knowledge of zonal marking and his understanding with Carra makes it a close one to call with Skrtel’s pace and aggression.

Arsenal’s game plan is already mapped out; they need to score and conceding one, makes little difference. Their natural game is to attack so this will suit them. Our main priority is to stop them scoring. This makes the game very dangerous, a late goal from Arsenal and suddenly we are chasing the game with the knowledge that one more goal conceded would effectively eliminate us. Any fatigue that Arsenal may have, would certainly evaporate should the get the goal to put them in pole position.

Our weakness from set-pieces is making me very nervous. Furthermore, recently we have gotten away with a few decisions that could have ended in penalties, will this even itself out.

Fingers crossed we’ll make it but the game is still in the balance and certainly not the forgone conclusion some are making out.

[Rich]

As well as Crouch played, it doesn't make sense to change the formation which has proven so successful over the past few month, barring United. He certainly is an excellent option and Arsenal have struggled when playing against him; however, we are sure to be playing counter-attack and Crouch is too static when breaking quickly.

I would like to see Finnan retained at the right back slot and Carragher returned to the centre, Finnan’s experience could be vital and as good a defender Carragher is, he squanders possession far too easily at full back. Sami’s experience and knowledge of zonal marking and his understanding with Carra makes it a close one to call with Skrtel’s pace and aggression.

Arsenal’s game plan is already mapped out; they need to score and conceding one, makes little difference. Their natural game is to attack so this will suit them. Our main priority is to stop them scoring. This makes the game very dangerous, a late goal from Arsenal and suddenly we are chasing the game with the knowledge that one more goal conceded would effectively eliminate us. Any fatigue that Arsenal may have, would certainly evaporate should the get the goal to put them in pole position.

Our weakness from set-pieces is making me very nervous. Furthermore, recently we have gotten away with a few decisions that could have ended in penalties, will this even itself out.

Fingers crossed we’ll make it but the game is still in the balance and certainly not the forgone conclusion some are making out.

Good post

Actually, I'm thinking that my only change would be Finnan for Skrtel, and going with Hyypia and Carragher in the centre - hopefully it will lead to more cohesion when dealing with set-pieces

[Pablo]

In terms of the penalty decisions: they are starting to even themsleves out. We have been on the end of some poor penalty decisions this year. Lately we have started to get some of that luck back. As far as im concerned its still evening itself out.

I am ****ting myself about set pieces though. They have sussed us out and all take a massive run up. Bentder's was the perfect example. They will plan on doing exactly the same on Tuesday and we better have an answer for it or we are going to concede.

[ohhh_yeah]

and finally

[-V-]

Tomorrow night is one of those special special nights i just cant wait for

Can't wait till i walk out onto the Kop tomorrow night at 7pm and look over the pitch with that anticipation you feel. Its just so different to normal league games, something amazing about it

I will back Rafa 100% whether he sticks with the 4-2-3-1 or even if he goes 4-4-2. Either way i know that we will be going for the win tomorrow. This match wont be anything like the last 2 games, this time its our ground and we will attack them. Just as Inter found out, Arsenal are in for a battering

C'mon guys, lets do this

[Marky]

This will be belted out a few times tomorrow night no doubt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUjRQfJ3f74&feature=related

[Shanks]

Tomorrow night is one of those special special nights i just cant wait for
C'mon guys, lets do this

Amen to that my friend.

and these two to take the piss out of Wenger.

[/QUOTE]

[-V-]

Such a big game tonight and yet so much crap being discussed on this forum. Seems weird.

Anyway all the best everyone! Hope you enjoy yourselves tonight

[tsb]

Such a big game tonight and yet so much crap being discussed on this forum. Seems weird.

Anyway all the best everyone! Hope you enjoy yourselves tonight

You wouldn't think we were playing in the quarters would you? Come on lads, I know there's three games in a week vs the Arse - but this is the one that counts the most.

I'd like to see Crouch get a game at some point tonight. I dont think he'll start but his performance against them on Saturday was very encouraging and he's got a knack of scoring in this fixture.

Again, Mascher will be the fulcrum and the rest over the weekend will have helped him. Hopefully, he'll sit on Fabregas for the game and stifle him at every opportunity.