Nutty Looks Worried As Arsene 'Rotates' With A Vengeance?
Jan 22nd, 2010 by 'holic
Arsenal Television on a Friday night is a good place to get a clue about what sort of side will be appearing at the weekend. In particular, Nigel Winterburn seems clued-up and careful with his comments whilst dropping some little hints.
His nervous disposition this week suggests a very young side will take to the Britannia Stadium, where a Stoke side that last season defeated our first choice line-up will lie in wait. The well-documented injury list, combined with an upcoming list of four massive Premiership fixtures starting at Villa Park next Wednesday, have combined to force Arsene Wenger’s hand.
There is no doubt that Le Boss is between the devil and the deep blue sea. If he were to go with a number of first-choice players and lose another couple for those huge games to come, he would be slaughtered by those who want us to capitalise on the top spot in the League. If a young side is beaten at Stoke he will face similar criticism from those who believe the FA Cup provides possibly our best chance of silverware.
Of course there is always a good possibility that a fine young group of players will knuckle down and pass Stoke to death, thus preventing the venting of much hot air. If we had everybody fit there is not a doubt in my mind that we could put out a second string that could still be confident of securing a result on Sunday. They are not, so let’s deal with it.
What sort of side are we talking about? I don’t think this starting eleven is beyond the realm of possibility.
Fabianski; Coquelin, Bartley, Campbell, Silvestre;
Emmanuel-Thomas, Eastmond, Wilshere; Walcott, Vela, Traore
If that is not too far out then the key could be the ability of our midfield trio to get into the game, and get the passing game going. It is likely to be ability against experience, although we cannot be certain that Stoke too won’t go with a bit of ‘rotation’.
Now I can understand the cynical being concerned about our chances against battle-hardened opponents. Let’s also accept that those young players have produced some fine Carling Cup performances in recent years and may just have too much pace and movement. That is not out of the question.
I have to say I am tempted to keep the ‘holic pound in my pocket, given the huge uncertainties that surround this game, and those who will take part. I can’t though. So I’m looking for an anytime goalscorer bet, because on the face of it there are fewer candidates than usual in that line-up.
I’m thinking Wilshere (7/2), Walcott (11/4), and Vela (6/4) will be the most likely, but you know how I like to look for a little more value. If I am right about Jay Emmanuel-Thomas starting he looks an outstanding punt at 6/1. Remember I am not talking about scoring first, but scoring at anytime in the game. JET will do for me, thank you very much.
Now, over five thousand of you nutters have bought up the Arsenal ticket allocation, so I really hope whatever side is put out, they give everything they have, and then some, in return for your fantastic support.
I think they just might.
56 Responses to “Nutty Looks Worried As Arsene 'Rotates' With A Vengeance?”
Not to be all doom and gloom holic but if we put out that side we will be fortunate to win.
Heh, don’t you start mate. Old Nigel had me bricking it. Have faith.
What sort of bench will that team have? Pretty young I would say!
Pint please keeps!
Jay Emmanuel Thomas is certainly the most interesting name in that potential line up and a lot could depend on him. As ‘holic noted that midfield trio is the key. We’ve seen Wilshere and Eastmond before but together and alongside a débutante? That’s a tall order, especially away to prem opposition. As I say Thomas is the interesting prospect to watch we’ve yet to see him for the first team but a hat-trick for the reserves highlights his attacking prowess and I’m sure his size and power will play a telling part in how we cope with Stoke’s physical approach, certainly you wouldn’t rely on whippers like Eastmond and Wilshere to offer much in that department, Thomas though is a different beast altogether. I’m looking forward to how that unfolds.
Interesting reading who is unavailable:
Sagna, Djourou, Gibbs, Diaby, Nasri, Song, Ramsey, Eboue, Merida, Van Persie and Bendtner.
Would love to have seen Ramsey, Merida, Djourou and Gibbs available for this one. Would have made a massive difference to the strength of line up and been another opportunity for them.
Surely we can have our cake and eat it here? Pick the young team as ‘holic suggests. But put on the bench Cesc, Arshavin, Vermaelen, Rosicky, Clichy and Eduardo. If things go well, fantastic. If things don’t, bring them on with 25 minutes to go and see if we can turn it around.
Pi9nt of the Black stuff with a J.D. Powers chaser please ‘holic – no work tomorrow but running the line for my boy’s colts game – that will blow away any headache.
Darren I agree about the JET. I am really looking forward to seeing him play.
Watt’s happened to What?
Hello Darren. Agreed, and I wasn’t explicit enough in the piece, but our second eleven, were everybody fit, would be fancied against anybody outside the top seven, and maybe even one or two others in the top seven!
If this lot don’t win Arsene will get pelters, and I think that will be a tad harsh under the circumstances. I would do exactly the same, but nobody will be surprised to read that. 😉
willo, I suspect Watt and Sunu will be on the bench.
Holic it won’t be harsh if he goes out and buys some players. Then at least we say he’s done everything he can do.
I’d like to see:
Vela Eduardo Walcott
Traore Eastmond Wilshire
Clichy Silvestre Campbell Coquelin/Bartley (I’ll defer to you)
Fabianski
Eduardo and Clichy can use the work. Ed to start banging in goals and Clichy to shake the rust off.
Nice piece as usual ‘holic!
You won’t be far out with your starting line up IMHO but I reckon the gaffer may spring a surprise and play one of our ‘premium’ players – a calculated risk. Perhaps across back line – maybe TV as he also carries a real goal threat at the other end. We’ll see. Looking forward to the game whatever. Hope JET starts – he will give them something extra to think about!!
Bartender, I’m feeling a little frivolous tonight – make mine a Baileys and Ginger Ale with ice – nah, bollocks, I’ll take a cold Guinness as usual. Not so much frivolous as predictable!
Evening all.
I hope that AW opts for a bit of experience to support the younger lads, Stoke is never an easy place to go even with your strongest teams. But with games coming thick and fast who could possibly question a bit of rotation.
I just hope that if the lads don’t get the desired results that we won’t get another bombardment of “fans” screaming to spend, spend, spend. I do realise that we are a little thin on the ground due to injuries, but panic buying just for the sake of it never works. (Not that AW would do this) Lest not forget that there finaly seems to be a real comradery in this squad, would adding some new faces disturb this fine balance?
So here’s hoping that whoever we put out they do us proud and get a result. COYG.
A pint of cider for me please ‘holic, if there’s any booze left after the hefty turnout on the last “drinks”.
Cheers.
I always have a well-stocked cellar, H2H 😉
I should of known you´d never let us dowm sir.
I should also say that Stewart Robson’s predicted line-up had Clichy and Rosicky in there instead of Bartley and JET.
I don’t think we will play Tomas and risk his balsa knees. I don’t think that Campbell and Silvestre will gel as a central pair because both will want to play on the left of the pairing, hence why I think Bartley and Campbell will get the nod as a better ‘blend’
I’m only a fan though, and could be talking absolute bollocks. That is my specialist subject. 😉
I suspect there may be one or two more 1st team regulars in there ‘holic, but who knows?
One of the 5,000 nutters will be me and the young Master Fin – first away game for both of us. Looking forward to it, whatever the line up.
Either way, whichever team, however old and however inexperienced I am going for a feel good factor win to our lads. However, if not then a replay would do nicely. Many say a replay is a disaster but if the young lads get a replay that would be great ’cause then we can use it to give the “returning from injury” lads a game and also, the fringies and the young ‘uns. A win would be best but I would snaffle a battling draw with the Potters.
…………… Eduardo………
Vela……………. …………Walcott
……Wilshere…. Rosicky……….
…………. Eastmond…………..
Clichy Silvestre Campbell Bartley
……………Fabianski………….
I agree about the needing work part, so that’s why I added Rosicky.
He can, hopefully, fill the Cesc “general” part of the midfield/offense.
I got this on the BBC website from Lawro´s Predictions;
“Arsenal have just gone top of the Premier League and are now the team that everyone is talking about. Whenever other sides have been in that position, they’ve been hit by a dodgy spell – and I think one might be coming the way of Arsenal.”
If we`re heading for a “dodgy spell” would that make Stoke the Harry Potters?
First time here and a great write up. American die hard Gooner stuck in Australia so I don’t know if I’ll be able to get the game. I like the write up and love the posts.
I have to agree with some of you on the vet’s getting some pt alongside the youth.
——————-Fab———————-
Bartley, Senderous, Campbell, Clichy
—————-Eastmond—————–
—Wilshire—–Couglin(sp)——-Vella
————-Theo——Dudu————–
I think Sender gets his last game as a gooner and a chance for him to shine for his future loan taker, Campbell gets the start, Gail gets a game to get his legs under him, Eastmond gets the start because he will help back up Song next year, Wilshire a no brainer, Couglin (if I’m spelling that right) gets the nod and controls the middle with Vella using his pace on the left and Theo’s pace on the right with Dudu setting up the mid with his cheeky flicks for a 2-1 nail bitter that sends the Gunners through.
You have to sit Rosicky because he’s so fragile, we need him vs one of the following prem games, the rest are all no brainers for the bench. Theo better show up and prove his worth otherwise you will for sure see someone coming in.
Up the Guns
Lawrenson’s predicting a dodgy spell before our toughest run of league games this season? Give that man a job as a psychic.
JET looks like an awesome bet. He scores his fair share whenever he plays and will probably be on the pitch for quite a while if he starts. Everybody that haven’t already spent their money on the doom-and-gloom Stoke win (to make this game a win-win) should listen to the Holmeister here.
Really looking forward to the game and very glad to see we’ve bought our full allocation of tickets. Good going away boys and girls!
Walcott to get one as well methinks, but perhaps that is my heart talking and not my head.
I’ll go for something red and easy to drink from South Africa tonight. Feel like getting tipsy. Cheers!
…And well said Charlie! Pathetic innit?
It would be nice to win his one with such a revized line up and I wish them well, however, there`s always an `however`, Wenger is not a romantic and with all it`s history and prestige the money and the real glory are in the Premiership and Europe.
I have the feeling this is as far as we go in the FA Cup this year.
Good luck lads, please prove me wrong.
Barman in honor of our young Frenchman Coquelin I’d like a nouveaux beaujolais and a tempranillo in honor of our young Spaniards absent from your predicted eleven. To chase it down in honor of Vela our young Mexican a generous portion of your finest tequila please.
Not to dishonor anyone, please give me another nouveaux beaujolais in honor of Traore, and a slightly more aged beaujolais in honor of our man Silvestre. Beer in honor of Campbell and the young Englishmen, and a shot of vodka (or whatever they drink there) to salute our Polish keeper Fabianski.
Is Wilshere fit again?? I had heard he was expected to be out for at least another week. Have I missed something?
I think it is understandable that we take an under strength team to Stoke, if a tad disappointing. We will have our work cut out and the last thing we want at this stage is a replay. I can’t see Rosicky playing either. He will be much needed at Villa. I also think that Arshavin will stay at home. He does look as if he needs a breather. As for the rest, who knows?
One side note, nice to hear Owen Coyle admit that there was nothing malicious in the Gallas tackle and that it was just a fraction late. Some good pics in Fridays Mail that demonstrate that quite clearly. Perhaps those over reacting Bolton fans will now be as humble???? No, I don’t think so either.
Going back on the 6X if there is some in. It is a Friday after all.
Keep the faith.
‘Wenger is not a romantic’
Maybe, but he’s still won the FA Cup four times so not bad for a pragmatist.
Hasn`t won Europe yet Charlie. Still Fergie nearly pulled off the treble so there`s no reason why Arsene can`t I suppose, but I think we`d need a slightly bigger squad and more luck in the injury department to be serious contenters. One match at a time, see how we go.
EBOUE!!!
Sagna Djourou Song Gibbs
Diaby Ramsey Nasri
Bendtner RvP Merida
There’s our unavailable 11 right there. Not a bad team to put out. Eboue gets to be keeper.
Eboue to be keeper….what a great idea…..why didn`t I think of that?
Sorry I’m late. Just off the phone with my Italian mate in Bolognut. According to him, it’s likely w’all nut know until Sunday “what to mac a da mia” team selection.
It’s chest nut easy to stay calm and not get completely pist achiolly, nut with a cracker like Sunday’s coming up.
I pine to be able to peak an’ see what lies behind these hazel eyes of Arsene’s. All the cashew plan to wager with Paddy, may return peanuts if he leaves out Deni from Brazil – nut that he doesn’t need a break after the crack on the coconut he got from that Everton monkey nut last weekend!
No wonder Nigel’s almond nuttier than a Cadbury’s fruit in a winter burn on the beech – nut that it’s warm enough even for a burn on the beech in this brass monkey weather we’re having. We could certainly do with some Spanish Sol, especially for those who are pottering up to Stoke for the game.
All this rotating will be as useless as dry potter’s wheel if our young lads have feet of clay and eyes like saucers. ‘Holic’s pontifications will be no more than a storm in a teacup, if they’re not fired up properly. It’ll kiln me if that happens. I’ll be all cracked up. May even get smashed.
I hope they’re not glazed by the time the game finishes! That could leave us all jug eared crockery for the rest of the season, without as much as a pot to piss in come May. We’ll look like a right bunch of Royal Alberts if that happens.
A formation of Wal(nut)cott, Eduardo and Vengeful Vela up front in a Wedge Would be my choice.
A mid-field of JET, Jack and Eastmond, might get as much of a roasting as Minton Sunday’s lunch. Don’t you think we might Ming? Deni or Rosicky for me to sustain the dynasty of habitual cup winners.
A back four of Le Coq, Sol, Silvestre and Clichy should Rule Britannia like Royal Doultons in front of our Staff for d game, sorry, our Pole for the game, Mr Fab.
If your lucky enough to be in the peanut gallery at the stadium, enjoy! See you all back here for ‘Holic’s post-game-post-game.
Rock and a hard place indeed. If the line is as you say Holic, then there isn’t any bigger ocassion for Vela, Theo, Double Double Sol and Sly to step up to, me thinks.
Eastie Boy should know what to expect (sort of) after Bolton.
Would be great to see JET.
Sol to score for me. 2-3 to the Arsenal!!
5-0 Arsenal.
Yep, I’ve had a couple. Still wildly optimistic about this one for some reason…
Could yet be an experience bench. Trust the fact that Le Professor would have thought every senario through
You sound a little worried too, BtM. Get on the ‘holic pound and concentrate on the cashew could make 😉
Surely the bar’s empty now, I’ll have whatever you suggest.
I like the look of that ‘holic pound.
i dont mind if we go in there with a young side,what i think is that if we keep Fab, Arsh and Rosicky on the bench then it could help us if we are trailing.
and guys i dreamt about hleb coming back to Arsenal hehe…
i hope not,i dont want him back cuz when we needed him,he went for medals to Barca and cried for minutes to play thats what should happen with such a guy…
Good spot Ak. The grass is greener and all that…
the following link needs to be followed, its a wonderful hidden gem of a mainstream press article… tearing red nose fergie a very wide new rear hole.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/what-goes-around-comes-around-for-bully-boy-fergie-1944006.html
Speaking of newspapers, anyone ever read that idiot Sam Wallace in The Independent – last weekend his report on our game at Bolton basically suggested that Fabregas must be doing something to provoke opponents into fouling him/treading on his neck etc. Then yesterday he assesses our situation in an article which basically reads ‘blah blah Arsenal blew it in 2008 blah blah Arsenal blew it in 2008 *repeat ad nauseam*’ before taking a swipe at the end by saying we’re only in this position now because Chelsea and Man Utd havn’t been in top form through December. And that’s our problem because? He’s starting to make James Lawton look readable.
It’s not even a joke, the press in this country are so massively up fergies arse and so anti-arsenal its untrue.
This gallas debacle is clear, clear evidence…. in the week we went top of the league.
The press were ashamed they wrote us off in pre season, and following the chelski defeat… and used the gallas tackle as a way to deflect.
I’m drooling at the prospect of an attack trident of Vela – Bendtner – Walcott. They’re still a little too young but in a year or two these 3 are going to tear defences apart. In the meantime I will be delighted to see Vela – Eduardo -Walcott spearheading our attack.
I see one problem with your team selection `Holic: youngsters and elders can’t last a full game (a cup one at that). Grandpa Sol will last at best 60 minutes, Estmond, Coq and others not much more. That means some adults have to be thrown in the mix. But Rosicky should be bubble-wrapped until the Villa game, Arshavin rested with Vela taking over, Cesc and Denilson coming back from injuries should also be given some time to steady their recovery. So who will Arsene risk for that game? I’m inclined to say Arsene may take the risk of putting youngsters in charge and USA Gunner’s suggestion of playing both Eastmond and Coquelin to shore up the midfield may end up being the winning guess with Denilson and Cesc coming in for the final half-hour.
To sooth our fevered brows, I should report that the Spanish press (who I guess are as independent when it comes to out league as possible) are pretty impressed by Arsenal being top, and haven’t mentioned the tackle…..because it’s actually not very important!
Watching Barca batter some poor little team AGAIN in La Liga… makes me actually appreciate teams like Bolton (if only they didn’t bleat so) in providing some type of competition.
On another note; the Barca fans pretty much unanimously regard the Hleb deal as the worst bit of business in their history. But thanks for the 13 million! I did try to warn them.
Have discovered a rather interesting local white beer – “Rosita” from Tarragona. Give it a try if you come across it. It’s going down a treat.
Sounds interesting CG, I’ll look out for it, certainly.
CG: The fact that the 13 millions on Hleb were wasted is Barca’s fault honestly. He was on fire with us and is back to his best at Stuttgart after a slow start, almost single-handledly lifted them away from the relegation zone to midtable. They never gave him a chance to shine so they can’t really complain.
I believe Cesc has taken notice and won’t move there until either Iniesta or Xavi is out of the picture one way or another.
fab
sagna campbell vermy clichy
JET
merida denilson
walcott rocky
vela
Matt – don’t worry, the Catalans don’t need a REASON to complain; they just do it! A lot.
I agree that it has worked out nicely for us that Cesc’s two good mates Hleb and Flamini have had bad experiences since leaving us.
I reckon he’ll be with us for a good few years yet…. surely he can see all of the planning coming together now,with him and RVP as the figureheads of the next golden team.
Interesting rumours about Smalling today. Any thoughts chaps?
Fulham not on TV too much over here! Looking forward to the game today. ‘Holic..the Rosita does leave a little reminder the next day!
lost 3-1 !!
what a letdown !!
Can’t say I like the way Stoke play, but they deserved the win.
Disappointed by some of the individual errors that cost us the game. Passing wasn’t the best today, but I think if the players hadn’t messed up individually, we wouldn’t have lost.
At least we don’t have to worry about the fixture congestion anymore.
Eastmond will play over 250 games for Arsenal and get at least 50 caps for England over the next decade.
The lad has a supreme air of coolness and calmness about him, he does the basic mopping up role of a DM to perfection, he reads the game ever so well and can distribute intelligently.
At over 6ft he has the frame aswell to provide adequate cover for the defence at set pieces aswell.
Top prospect.
is it just me or did campbell look 10 steps off the pace?
really dont know why wenger preffered him to senderos for these 6 months.
all good otherwise. lets nail the next 4 games
we lost….
Let’s just say shit happens……
Champions league isnt easy,hope we get the premier league run going.