A Song For Europe In Prague?
Nov 7th, 2007 by 'holic
Arsenal have boarded the plane for Prague and sensibly left some key players behind. Nine points from the opening three fixtures, including a seven goal drubbing of our next Champions League opponents provide a real opportunity to utilise the strength of the squad.
Kolo Toure could see his place taken by Gilberto or Justin Hoyte, but Arsene Wenger may be keen to give a confidence-boosting start to Alex Song. If he does he may plump for the greater experience of Gael Clichy ahead of Armand Traore at left-back.
A new look midfield quartet could feature perhaps Lassana Diarra, Gilberto, Denilson, and Abou Diaby, thereby providing a rest for Emmanuel Eboue and Mathieu Flamini, although Theo Walcott may also start on the right.
Up front we will probably see Eduardo, but will he partner Nicklas Bendtner, or will Emmanuel Adebayor be given the opportunity to get back on the goal trail?
This is a strange fixture, and one Wenger will not want to take too lightly. With a trip to Sevilla still to come he will not want the unbeaten record this season to come to an abrupt end. The performance he saw from his squad players at Bramall Lane last week will have heartened him, but I’m sure they will be left in no doubt exactly what is expected of them in Prague.
The ‘holic pound is already placed. 2-1 to the visitors for me. Even without the influence of Fabregas and Hleb, possibly the most influential performers this term, I fancy the Gunners have just a little too much strength in depth for the Czechs.
I have deliberately steered clear of the goalkeeping situation. Manuel Almunia is the man in possession and we are unbeaten with him in the side. He will keep his place for the immediate future. Only time will tell if he can be the answer in the longer term. I am, however, puzzled by stories linking us with Jussi Jaaskelainen. A couple of years ago we were linked with the Bolton ‘keeper, and a sensible move it appeared at the time. His performances in the last twelve months though suggest he is just another liability, another crazy old accident waiting to happen. Thanks, but no thanks.
If Jens is allowed to move in January then we still have Manuel and Fabianski, allegedly the future. A new goalkeeper needing to establish a relationship with defenders is not an ideal mid-season scenario. Come the summer we can go back into the market if needs be, but for now let’s get behind what we have, and wish them well.
One Response to “A Song For Europe In Prague?”
Good call on the goal keeper, ‘holic. I think we should stick with Almunia for the moment. While he has not been excellent, he hasnt been poor either. The defence seem comfortable playing with him.
I would like to see Diarra and Gilberto start, though with Denilson in the centre, that would mean Diarra would be wide right. I dont see that happening. Ade and Dudu to start, with Bendtner coming off the bench.