So here we are, a brand new year and with the start of the year we see the annual madness start that is the transfer window.
It's only the first day and already we have Wenger confirming that we have one in and one out. Harvard Nordtviet is on his way to Borussia Monchengladbach in the next few days without making a single first team appearance since joining us in July 2007 and Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi is on his way in.
Wenger has also said that he will be happy for Carlos Vela to leave on loan. He said:
"Some offensive players don’t play games like Carlos Vela. If he can get games somewhere else we will loan him out."
"He is a top quality player and at the moment we have too many strikers. He does not get the games he deserves."It is also confirmed that Ramsey will come back to Arsenal and will not be going back on loan. Wenger has said he hopes for him to be ready for action in February.
Also on the transfer front, good ol' Freddie Ljungburg has returned to Britain completing his loan move to Celtic. Good luck to him.
And lets not forget about the madness that the next 31 days will bring about Cesc Fabregas leaving the club, already reports are flying around that Real Madrid are preparing a £35m bid. Again, lets keep calm Gooners Cesc is not going anywhere (in January at least) so lets not make him come out publicly every other day and stat his commitment to the club.
Now for the real reason for today's blog, our trip to Brum. Wenger made eight changes between the last two games and I expect a fair few today too bringing back some of our stronger players for the third game in six days.
Fabianski has given no reason to lose his place but he will need to be careful if Zigic plays, not because of his quality in the air but just because of his height, when your that tall luck will fall your way and Birmingham have enough poachers to bury the balls that he will be knocking down.
Wenger's first big choice is who to play at centre back. His rotation so far has seen Koscielny and Djourou play against Chelsea and Kos with Squillaci against Wigan. The question is will Wenger now give Koscielny a rest or continue to play who he sees as his best fit defender. My vote goes for the return of a Kos/Djorou partnership.
Fabregas returns from suspension to retake his place in the middle of the park and Jack Wilshere should be right beside him doing what he loves best on his birthday, winning three points for Arsenal.
Robin Van Persie continues to try and find the form we all know he's capable of and his style and skill should suit our game today working in close tight triangles with Cesc, Wilshere, Arshavin and Nasri.
Yesterday I talked about my strongest Arsenal XI and am hoping that we may actually see 10 of those players start the game today.
Goonerfish's line-up:
Fabianski
Sagna - Koscielny - Djourou - Clichy
Song
Fabregas - Wilshere
Nasri - Arshavin
Van Persie
Score: Birmingham 0 - 2 Arsenal
This game will be close. Only Everton have won at St Andrews this season and Birmingham have the third best home defensive record in the league behind only Chelsea and Manchester United. However, Alex McLeish’s side have only scored nine at home themselves which is the worst record in the premiership.
Last year we saw Kevin Phillips steal an injury time equaliser to make it 1-1 but I think the team have grown a little more over the past year and should have enough to do what Man Utd couldn't and take all three points.
A win today will see seven points earned in less than six days and in comparison to the same fixtures last year an improvement of six points so lets be positive and get behind the boys.
Till next time,
Goonerfish.
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