Injury news seemed really positive a few days ago, but as we wake up to match day it seems we've got two in and two out.
Theo Walcott and Nic Bendtner both return to the squad but Sagna and Koscielny both miss out thanks to a thigh and back injury respectively. The scenario is far from ideal, gaining two attackers is great but in losing two defenders, the negative outweighs the positive, we have plenty of attackers available so we were not particularly short there however decent defenders are very hard to come by at Arsenal.
With Vermaelen still ten days away according to Wenger, it's going to be a big day for Johan Djourou who you have to assume will start next to Squillaci in the centre of defence. I like Djourou and think he could become a fantastic defender given a run of games and some confidence but that being said, I'm glad we're playing a team like Birmingham and not a Manchester club or Chelsea. I have a feeling he'll put in a good performance today.
Eboue is the other player to benefit from injuries. He will surely replace Sagna at right back, unless Wenger is having a look at some of our younger players ready for the Carling Cup game at Newcastle, then we may see a lesser known starter such as Eastmond or Nortveit, my money is on Eboue though.
Cesc is still short for a return so Nasri or Wilshere should take up his role joing Song in midfield. Nasri is a hard choice for Wenger when Fabregas is not in the team, not for selection because he's pure quality, but where to play him. With Fabregas in the team recently Nasri has been played on the right of an attacking three but when Cesc is not playing super Sam has proved his worth in that central position. It all depends on how Wenger shapes the rest of the side.
Although Bendtner and Walcott are back in the squad, I don't think we'll see either of them start the game. Walcott is more fragile than your Gran's finest china so Wenger will want to bring him on when the oposition are more tired and less likely to catch him and cause him as much of a physical challenge. Bendnter on the other hand will effectively be playing his pre-season over the next few games so I expect him to see no more than 25 minutes, probably replacing Chamakh who will probably be grateful for the break.
Goonerfish's line-up:
Fabianski
Eboue - Squillaci - Djourou - Clichy
Song
Wilshere - Nasri
Rosciky (c) - Arshavin
Chamakh
Score Arsenal 3 - 1 Birmingham
Birmingham will offer a physical game today as most lower clubs now seem to be doing when they come to the Emirates but they are not as strong as Bolton or Blackburn so I don't see them being able topush us about too much.
Today marks Arsene Wenger's 800th game in charge of Arsenal, I wrote my Ode to Arsene yesterday so won't go over just how much I love the man again but lets all hope that our boys can celebrate the event by sending the boys in blue back to Brum hurting from their beating.
Till next time,
Goonerfish.
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