Arsenal (A) Build up

[Fernandinho]

I think we can all agree that the first round was a bit unfortunate for us. Bit of bad lack and inexperience cost us. But we did start with a lot of the new boys.

With that in the past, news is filtering through that Song and Gervinho will both be suspended against us. That is going to leave their squad seriously thin vs us with Nasri and Fabregas both having been left out of their most recent squad (both likely to not appear for them again).

This is a really good opportunity for us to pick up 3 points away to one of the top teams in the league and bounce back after the disappointment of last week.

I think we will be lining up something like this:

Reina;Kelly,Carra,Agger,Enrique;Lucas,Adam;Kuyt,Su arez,Downingt;Carroll.

Obviously the formation is up for debate, with a lopsided 4-4-2 the most likely formation for us, as well as the RB and RM positions up for grabs.

More importantly, the way they line up will be interesting, they are lacking a DM now with Song out probably to be replaced by Frimpong who made is debut vs Newcastle and Gervinho will be replaced by Walcott.

Great opportunity to stuff them!

[TheElephantMan]

Arsenal will always be a tough side to beat whoever leaves or is suspended. I agree that their problems could help us, but I would never underestimate them.

[IN_RAFA_WE_TRUST]

Play aquaticman in this game

[-V-]

We drew with them twice last season. Since then they have gotten weaker and we have gotten stronger. I see no reason why we cant win. I know its a away to a top 4 team but I expect a win. Anything else would be a disappointment

[Mostar]

Arsenal will always be a tough side to beat whoever leaves or is suspended. I agree that their problems could help us, but I would never underestimate them.

Neither would I but this is an opportunity we cannot screw up especially as we already dropped 2 points we were counting on.

They will also be involved in CL game on Tuesday and as it stands Wilshire and Diaby are very much doubtful for Sunday.

If we cannot get a good result with the decimated squad as it is Arsenal these days we may not be good enough to be in top 4 this year.

[BigChief]

The advantage of only playing one game a week should start filtering through soon enough. No unnecessary pressure on our star players' hamstrings, etc.

We played a better first half against Sunderland than manure managed in two halves against WBA (managed by Woy). Yet they came away with a jammy win. If we play both halves in the same vein then we should have too much for Arsenal. Carroll is another game fitter and sharper, almost feel sorry for Arsenal's backline and goalie already.

[IN_RAFA_WE_TRUST]

Jammy win? Aye they keep getting them as well as refs giving them decisions too .

[Kinell]

No better time to play Arsenal than this weekend.

Just gotta pace ourselves and improve fitness to last the 90.

[SB]

No better time to play Arsenal than this weekend.

Just gotta pace ourselves and improve fitness to last the 90.

I agree totally. Fitness was the killer IMO on Saturday. I was worried at half time that we'd fade and we did. The fast pace of the 1st half will be needed for the full 90 to get the 3 points this week.

[SB]

Just read that Aurelio's injury is to his Achilles ? Anyone know any more about it? Did he do it pulling his boots on ? Hopefully not torn !

[Exiled_red]

I would expect to see changes down the right hand side for this game, I very much doubt Flanagan will play this one. If Johnson is fit he will come back, otherwise I think Kelly will come in at right back, I also suspect that Kuyt will come in for Henderson, other than those two injury permitting I expect to see the same side:

Reina; Johnson/Kelly, Agger, Carragher, Enrique; Kuyt, Lucas, Adam, Downing; Suarez, Carroll

[SB]

I would expect to see changes down the right hand side for this game, I very much doubt Flanagan will play this one. If Johnson is fit he will come back, otherwise I think Kelly will come in at right back, I also suspect that Kuyt will come in for Henderson, other than those two injury permitting I expect to see the same side:

Reina; Johnson/Kelly, Agger, Carragher, Enrique; Kuyt, Lucas, Adam, Downing; Suarez, Carroll

I just hope to see more of the 1st half's tactics and less of the hoof balls up to the big man. Otherwise Carroll on the bench, Kuyt up front with suarez and Hendo on the right

[lickedlollipop]

Arsenal will always be a tough side to beat whoever leaves or is suspended. I agree that their problems could help us, but I would never underestimate them.

[Lee]

Arsenal will always be a tough side to beat whoever leaves or is suspended. I agree that their problems could help us, but I would never underestimate them.

Absolutely, but it is a good time to play them at the moment.

I'd like to see Johnson or Kelly and Kuyt back in for this one. Would also be good to have Maxi and Aquilani on the bench at least.

[Chris]

Arsenal will always be a tough side to beat whoever leaves or is suspended. I agree that their problems could help us, but I would never underestimate them.

Yep, though if we lose im sure this place will be full of "we cant get 4th now" type stuff. But hopefully we can get some early momentum and pile the pressure on them early on. Their fans are ready to snap.

Wonder if Spearing will come in, I know he's absolutely loathed on here but he was excellent in the same fixture last season and Adam defensively worries me away from home.