Arsenal Build-up

[Craig_H]

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

God i hope so.

Rafa's been in hospital with his kidney stones, so hasnt been able to prepare the team as he normally would.

Consequently, i think we'll win

[Craig_H]

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.

Right on cue reggie, just in case

I think we're different. The mancs and chelsea can only really play open football, they play expansive and i think they lack the mentality to be compact, organised and 'do a job' away from home.

We have that in abundance, so we should be capable of stopping Arsenal from playing and making it difficult for them. We're mentally stronger than them, physically stronger and capable of bullying them.

But we also have the firepower to hit them at the other end.

I think we're better equipped than Man Utd or Chelsea, to beat Arsenal.

[Craig_H]

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

Spot on mate, that's exactly what i'd do. Keane and Babel up front, Kuyt on the right.

But what of Mascherano, Alonso and Gerrard?

[Reece]

Right on cue reggie, just in case

Not sure if you are seriously suggesting I'm getting the excuses in early, but if so then:

**** off

if not then:

**** off

Arsenal are still a good, dangerous team - and I would feel no shame in being beaten by them at The Emirates. That said I am confident we can (and will) beat them.

[bobbyfallon]

Not sure if you are seriously suggesting I'm getting the excuses in early, but if so then:

**** off

if not then:

**** off

Arsenal are still a good, dangerous team - and I would feel no shame in being beaten by them at The Emirates. That said I am confident we can (and will) beat them.

do you think we should show them some respect

[Sarb]

do you think we should show them some respect

Only if we lose

[powerpack]

Any chance of getting Crouchie back for this match!! The Gooners can't handle him.

[Marky]

Bad feeling.

[BrooklynRed]

is there a definitive status on Torres and his return date? Are we looking at Bolton? Newcastle? or could he feature on the bench at the Emirates?

[tomasjj]

is there a definitive status on Torres and his return date? Are we looking at Bolton? Newcastle? or could he feature on the bench at the Emirates?

I don't think there is.
He was going to see a specialist last week I think, but there was no talk about him being ready soon. I suspect he will need another week, as Rafa also said he would be careful this time. On the bench against Bolton would be my guess.

[Chrono]

Keep him off for another month. Don't risk it!

[Shaggy]

I think we've played like champions-elect away from home so far this season, I really do, and I think we'll win on Sunday.

We've played with a swagger, and with resolve and belief. I'd fancy us to beat anyone away from home at the moment although we'd struggle to beat The Royal Oak at Anfield.

I think the team picks itself:

Reina

Arbeloa
Carra
Agger or Sami
Dossena (is Aurelio still out?)

Mascherano
Alonso

Kuyt
Gerrard
Riera

Keane

I'm praying Kuyt doesn't start in a lone striking role. Gerrard really needs to push on, forget trying to run the game, and support Keane. If RK becomes isolated we'll be in trouble. And will Riera please, for the love of God, hug that touchline. It can't be a coincidence that his form has largely tailed off since he's suddenly started drifting miles inside.

[rage]

the defense picks itself if aurellio is still out

carra hyypia agger arbeloa

no way should we risk that left back liability

pretty sure we'll play 4231 with kuyt on the right and riera the left.

my problem is that i think keane will play and as a lone striker he's ineffective

[JohnDoe]

Hyypia should not start this game. Not his type of match.

[Shaggy]

I agree, his lack of mobility and pace would be a problem against them, although you could argue he would be effective in the air against Adebayor.