Is everyone as nervous as I am? I cannot remember a match I have been more nervous about going into. Our status across Europe depends solely on tonight’s game and with that status, our appeal to potential targets. Champions League football, or the lack of, can be a final decider for many players when considering a move. For example, if the news is true that we are heavily perusing Eden Hazard then will he move from the French champions, automatically qualified for the Champions League, to Arsenal, playing in the Europa League? The answer is simple. No.
To say this game is a must win is an understatement. The permanent Champions League status we have gained during Wenger’s reign is the one stat that keeps Arsenal FC a ‘big’ club across Europe, without it we are a team that will challenge for a top four finish in the English league, good but not great. We could be viewed by potential signings as a club on par with dare I say it the Spuds or Villa or Everton, those teams that always finish quite high and in contention for European spots. I AM NOT SAYING WE ARE ON THAT LEVEL!! But that is how we would start to be seen by Europe’s top players.
OK, enough of what ifs, on to the game itself. The best bit of news is that Van Persie returns from his suspension so our new captain is available to lead the team out. RVP will provide so much more to the team than Chamakh did in the first leg and I fancy him to get on the score sheet tonight. Walcott has been picked out by the Italian press as our dangerman but I expect a lot from both him and Gervinho who is fresh after serving the first game of his three match ban.
Our defence almost picks itself by default, whoever is fit plays. Traore is back in contention after being passed fit but I think Wenger will stick with the full backs that played against Liverpool. More good news is that Djourou is fit again so I’d expect to see him partner Vermaelen.
Our midfield is my biggest concern. We showed no creativity at all at the weekend and that included Na$ri who has now gone on to pastures new. Ramsey needs to step up a little, he has the ability to spot and produce a pass but it was missing at the weekend. Song will take back his DM role but the questions sits as to who will be the third man making up our engine room in the centre of the pitch. Frimpong has started his full Arsenal career in style putting in a fantastic performance against Liverpool even if his red card did cost us the game in the end. Rosicky faces a late fitness test so even if he travels I doubt he’ll make the starting line up. Jack Wilshere is still out and now looks to be out for around two months. This injury scares me as it is slowly becoming more and more familiar to the TV5 saga last year. Hopefully everything goes right for Jack and he’ll be back on the pitch before you know it.
My Line up:
Szczesny
Sagna – Djourou – TV5 – Jenkinson
Song
Ramsey – Frimpong
Walcott – Gervinho
RVP
As worried as I am tonight, I have to remain positive and believe that we can get the result we need and carry on to the group stages. If we score then Udinese will need to score three which I don’t see happening so if we can score in the first half hour or so then I will enjoy the game much more. My money is going on a 2-0 win for Arsenal.
Luckily, Udinese have been talking up the opportunity to play in the group stages as one of the biggest achievements the club has seen with their captain Antonio di Natale describing the game “like a World Cup final” so there is as much, if not more pressure sitting on the shoulders of their players as there is on our own.
This game could shape the club for the next few games so lets hope the boys get out there and do the job needed. Lets show players like Na$ri and Juan Mata that we are still a top European club and lets retake our rightful place among the football elite.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!! FORWARD ARSENAL!!
Till next time,
Goonerfish.
mehn am i riled up 4 this game. ooohhhh yesss i am @ 200%
ReplyDelete