A point from Qualification (ish) Shaktar preview

Here we go then, our fourth Champions League game of the season - That's "of the season " not fourth Champions league game EVER!! (Just in case spuds stumble across us on a high from last night)

We're currently sat top of group H and we technically need 3 points to guarantee qualification if Braga win and even then if you allow for the possibility of a ridiculous goal swing in our next game against Braga and we lose the next two games and Shakhtar and Braga win their remaining games, then and only then could we finish in 3rd in the group. If Braga fail to beat Partizan and we win then we are guaranteed to go through top of the group.

*scratches head to make sure all that rubbish above made sense*

Wenger has done his best to convince us that the team aren't becoming complacent saying:

“I will remind the players that Shakhtar are a good side that we caught maybe on a good day. They will try to
get revenge at home and we have a good opportunity to qualify to directly from the group. We want to take this chance.

“This game will demand a proper focus because Shakhtar are a good side with top quality. They have won the Europa League and certainly they have been hurt by what happened to them at Emirates. They will give absolutely everything. Don’t forget they played on Friday so they have all the needed preparation before this game.“I felt the first match was tighter than the score indicated. The pitch is good, so should be a good game because the two teams will attack."

At least Wenger knows all the ins and outs, however he will be without a lot of first team regulars due to injury but I use that word loosely. The likes of Almunia (although wouldn't say he's first choice now) and Vermealen are out with long term injuries but miraculously since Saturday Arshavin, Song and Denilson have all picked up 'injuries' and Fabregas has missed the trip but that is due to the slight hamstring problem he got during the West Ham game, the club have said he's fit but don't want to risk him.

Some of our young guns have travelled with the squad so it would be fantastic to see them play a part in the game. I fancy Eastmond to get a chance, especially with Song and Denilson both out.
Walcott and Bendtner should both start to add to their match fitness and sharpness and just as it was in the Carling Cup at Newcastle it should be between Vela and JET to play on the left.
Nasri may be given a rest tonight too with Rosicky itching to be involved and lets not forget that a certain Jack Wilshere has had a nice rest and will be looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

Gonnefish's line-up

Fabianski

Sagna - Koscielny - Squillaci (c) - Clichy


Eastmond


Wilshere - Diaby


Walcott - Vela

Bendtner




Score Shaktar Donetsk 0 - 2 Arsenal

Shakhtar will not be a push over tonight,  They will be a much tougher team tonight, that being said I still don't feel they'll be a match for our side even with the injection of reserves and youth.

Lets hope that Partizan can nick a point so we can relax for the next two group games especially as we travel to Aston Villa and then Man U directly after each one.

Till next time,
Goonerfish.