Arsenal Build-up

[Matt]

Last time I did an early build-up thread was after a poor result against West Ham and then we beat Blackburn away so fingers crossed...

Anyway it's about time we got a good result at the Emirates - not sure about team news but the same set-up that we used against Chelsea would be fine by me.

Keane and Agger in for Yossi and Hyypia and I'll be happy. As always it'll be interesting to see who starts at left back.

[Chrono]

Arsenal are there for the taking. Time to show we are title winning material

[Tee]

I think Carra will play RB, Sami and Agger at CB and Arbeloa at LB. Just a hunch.

[captain-caveman]

in the past we've always been caught out by Arsenals super fast counter attacking because we play so high up the pitch.

I hope we don't play so high and use our pace to counter attack them.

[Elvoz]

Arsenal are there for the taking. Time to show we are title winning material

agree fella/pal

a draw would disappoint me - lets not go there looking for one

[lucas]

Any news on Aurelio? I thought he was supposed to be back by this weekend.

[Reece]

Lets not forget that Arsenal have beaten Chelsea and the Mancs already this season so whilst they may not be the team they used to be they obviously still pose a real threat.

[lucas]

If we can keep Fabregas and Van Persie quiet then we shouldn't have any problem beating them. Would like to see Keane start. No way should Kuyt be played up front on his own. Put him back on the right.

[SB]

If we can keep Fabregas and Van Persie quiet then we shouldn't have any problem beating them. Would like to see Keane start. No way should Kuyt be played up front on his own. Put him back on the right.

Agree. Play Keane and Babel together IMO and Dirky on the right

[lucas]

Agree. Play Keane and Babel together IMO and Dirky on the right

I think they would have too much pace for Silvestre and co. Arsenals defence has not been good this season and we need to exploit that. We need to start with a high tempo, something which we haven't done all season.

[SB]

Yeah I just don't see the point in playing Keane up front on his own and hope Rafa has given up on that idea. Keane showed in the CL match that he is better suited playing deeper with a speed demon to run off him. Enter Ryan Babel, it's time to stand up and be counted.

[lucas]

Unfortunately I can't see Rafa starting both Keane & Babel especially away to Arsenal. Expect to see 2 defensive midfielders and Gerrard behind the front man.

[dww]

Lets not forget that Arsenal have beaten Chelsea and the Mancs already this season so whilst they may not be the team they used to be they obviously still pose a real threat.

I think we should look at the differences in those two games though. United went out with a very open midfield and both teams should have scored about 10 goals - I don't think we can afford that sort of game as Arsenal have more pace than us. Chelsea should have won and were very unlucky to concede the first goal which reignited Arsenal. They controlled the midfield and made it hard for Arsenal in the middle of the pitch and consequently the Arsenal team created very little.

As such the midfield would seem to me the most important thing for us. The question is balancing what I see as the necessary base of Alonso and Mascherano with a link to attack. Gerrard really needs to get closer to whoever we choose in attack.

I suspect we will see Benayoun and Riera on the flanks and Kuyt up front but despite my misgivings I think it would be a good game to look to Babel.

A big question is whether we should go for Hyypia as an attacking threat in the air against their midget defense or go for Agger to give us slicker passing and better possession. I think it is a tough call. I'd definitely keep Carra central and Arbeloa on the right.

[SB]

Unfortunately I can't see Rafa starting both Keane & Babel especially away to Arsenal. Expect to see 2 defensive midfielders and Gerrard behind the front man.

That only works if the lone striker is Torres IMO

[tommyg]

Yeah I just don't see the point in playing Keane up front on his own and hope Rafa has given up on that idea. Keane showed in the CL match that he is better suited playing deeper with a speed demon to run off him. Enter Ryan Babel, it's time to stand up and be counted.

that ball on the counter attack to set up n'gogs goal