The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of. Arsenal v Barcelona (CL QF 1st Leg)

It's Show Time

When I set out to write this preview, I thought about going down the path I usually do with these kind of things and outline the run up to the match and how it will play out. But as I look at this matchup between Arsenal and Barcelona, I can’t help but be amazed at the treat football fans are in for.

If this match plays out as we think it should, then fans of the beautiful game, even neutrals, are in store for an absolute cracker of a match. really, if you are about free flowing, passing, and attacking football then the gathering of these two teams Wednesday at the Emirates and next week at the Nou Camp is the pinnacle of what you want to see.

One on side you have the current “it” team – Barcelona. This is a team you don’t hate on. It has so much talent you wonder how long their run of success will go on. They currently boast their own creative 22 year old maestro, Lionel Messi. As has been said repeatedly over the last few weeks there aren’t enough adjectives to describe how good he is. In England the attempts to compare him to Wayne Rooney are clumsy at best. Rooney while he as the strength just does not have the creativity nor skill that Messi has.

But Messi is not their only weapon and Arsenal fans would be remiss to think so. They have their own Toure, Xavi, Pique and Zlatan Ibrahimavic. Throw in an Arsenal legend for good measure and you have a team that is absolutely a joy to watch play.

On the other side you have the heir apparent to the current “it” squad – Arsenal. My heart is red and white and I really believe we are on the cusp of seeing Arsenal reach the greatness of the same level as this Barca side. Led by the former product of Barca’s famed youth academy – Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal have their own talent crop to showcase. Led in the back by Thomas Vermaelen, Alex Song, Andrei Arshavin, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby, and others, Arsenal feature some of the best young talent in the EPL. But they are still talent unrealized.

For the first time in five years though, Arsenal are challenging for trophies in the league and on the continent. Their path at home is still rough but they have been one of the more consistent sides (with the exception of that Brum draw) since the end of January. They have matured and maybe have begun to develop the necessary skills to be more competitive in challenging for the title than they have been in recent memory.

Hwever, when you look at this squad, it is a squad built for the continental tournament. It’s focus is less on brut slogging but stylish passing and attacking, controlling the ball and patiently moving it forward looking to dice open an opponent. Much like their opponent does back in La Liga.

There are so many sub-plots to this match and frankly the press has been running with them since the tie was announced. It represents the return of probably the greatest Arsenal player to ever wear the kit – Thierry Henry. Henry comes back amid much emotion at having to face his old club. Something he claims he did not want to do because of the love of the fans. But Henry is class and Arsenal fans will love him regardless of the kit he wears. The roar at the team introductions will be deafening. Pires got it last year and it still rings in his ears. Henry’s cheer will last him the rest of his eternal life.

It also features my choice of Arsene Wenger’s eventual replacement, Pep Guardiola. Pepe in his first season set out and like Arsene claimed trophies. Except he exceeded Arsene’s haul by a few. He took the treble in capturing La Liga, the Spanish Cup and the Champion’s league. Throw in 3 other trophies and in his first year the club won an impressive array of silverware. They are well on their way for more glory and all because this former Barcelona star has his team playing like his team of the 90′s.

The other subplot is Cesc Fabregas playing against the club that formed his talent in the early years. The club that has made no secret of its desire to bring him home. The club that will use him as a pawn in its Presidential elections. The club of his home. It was at Barcelona that Cesc learned of the saying “Mes que un club” – more than a club. It is what is drilled into every Barca youth’s head. But fate had him bring that mantra to Arsenal, where at 16 he was the youngest player eer to start in a first team match. He is in my opinion the best midfield player in the EPL. A feat only enhanced by his growth this season in Arsene’s new formation (a homage to Barca).

There are so many more. We can all discuss and digest. Frankly, I just want to sit back and enjoy what is likely to be the best two legs of the Champion’s League.  Don’t you?

Now for the normal stuff.

How the Match Should Play Out:
Arsenal face off of against a squad that in the last two years beat both Chelsea and United – two teams that have had their way with Arsenal this season. You could argue though that Arsenal are built for just this type of game, where skill, speed, finesse, a ballet of ball movement are needed. It is going to be an open game. Both sides are likely to score multiple times.  That all leaves it to who would have the class at Nou Camp.

Probable Starting XI:
Arsenal: Almunia, Vermalen, Campbell, Sagna, Clichy, Song, Diaby, Fabregas, Arshavin, Nasri, Bendtner

Barcelona: Valdes, lves, Puyol, Milito, Maxwell; Toure, Xavi, Messi ; Pedro, Ibrahimovic, Henry

Injuries:
Arsenal: Van Persie (ankle), Gibbs (foot), Djourou (knee) Ramsey (leg)

Barcelona: Pique, Abidal, Iniesta (don’t quote me on these)

Recent League Form:
Arsenal: DWWWW

Barcelona: WDWWW

TV Broadcast:
US: Fox Soccer Channel/Foxsoccer.tv 1445 EST

UK: ITV1

Online Streams:
www.atdhe.net

www.justin.tv

www.iraqgoals.net

www.myp2p.eu

GAMEDAY CHAT Will Be On: www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Barcelona: 2

Popularity: 34% [?]

Back To Scene of the Crime. Arsenal v Birmingham City, Match Preview

2yrs Ago in A Galaxy Far Away

Two years ago on the field at St. Andrew’s Martin Taylor recklessly flew into a tackle on Arsenal forward Eduardo. The subsequent result was a horrific ankle break that upon first sight had snuffed out a very promising career before it had started. This Saturday Arsenal will take to the Birmingham City pitch for the first time since that event.

The tackle on Eduardo was the start of the decline of Arsenal and their loss of what was looking like a promising season. Arsenal had come out of the gates on that season and were lighting up the league. After Eduardo went down, mentally the Gunners were shot and so was their season.

This season while not exactly the same has the Gunners, much of them the same squad – saw thm deal with similar adversity when Aaron Ramsey went down. This time however the result has been different. Showing they have matured, this Arsenal squad continue to defy the odds and win. They currently are running on a 6 game winning streak. Since their loss to Chelsea they have done what they had to do and took care of the business at hand – beating the lesser teams.

The team they face Saturday, Birmingham are in a comfrtable position in the table, currently sitting 9th. They had a great run of 12 games unbeaten but haven’t maintained that form recently. Though they’ve lost their last two, this team is no push over. Especially at home. They are unbeaten at home in their last 11 matches. Additionally, Alex McLeish’s boys have only conceded 10 goals at home this season. That feat is only bettered by league leading Manchester United. Finally, they have managed to keep 11 clean sheets this season. Unfortunately they have only had one in their last 11.

McLeish, trying to dispel the notion that his side will be overly physical again, said his side while they will not play an open style will not purposely be physical with the Arsenal side. 

“I’ll certainly say to my team ‘don’t stand back and admire them’, but there won’t be any rough stuff. We know if we are open, Arsenal will rip us apart, but we believe we have got players who can cause Arsenal problems as well.”

For Arsenal the task is simple – win and stay in close with Chelsea and United in the title hunt. While slipping and losing points in a draw won’t completely unsettle the run, it won’t help it.  But that has been the task since last losing in January to Chelsea. All Arsenal could do was play their matches and hope the others slip up and because they have, the Gunners are back in the title race.

Unfortunately for Arsenal they will be without the services of  Thomas Vermaelen. The star signing of the season will miss his first game as a Gunner serving a one game suspension for a rather dubious red card he received in last week’s match against West Ham. His likely replacement will be veteran Mikhail Silvestre. He’ll be paired up with Sol Campbell who’s been nothing short of astounding. Of course, Arsene could start Alex Song back there and have Diaby and Denilson in the midfield with Fabregas. Though it is still more likely the former United defender will get the nod.

A lot has been made of the coming Champion’s League tie Arsenal have with Barcelona. However, Wenger maintains his charges are “too intelligent” to look past the Birmingham match and lose sight of the EPL title race. While much has been said about some of Wenger’s choices this season he has to be given credit for keeping his squad focused on each single game. He has taken a squad decimated by injury to key players and kept them in the hunt for tophies on two of the biggest fronts – the EPL and Champion’s League. He knows that it will take laser focus unlike two years ago to keep moving forward.

“What we know is we have three teams in the race, and it will be down to the team which is the most consistent,” he was quoted by the BBC.  Given their run of form this season – they must be buying into it.

All in all as the Gunner’s return to St Andrew’s their is no talk of revenge just talk of winning for the sake of continuing the success they’ve had this season. And while the Arsenal gaffer has yet to forgive Taylor for the horrific tackle he and players like Cesc Fabregas have moved on. The catalan play maker was recently quoted as saying,

“We are not the kind of people who dwell on two years ago and all that happened there. Eduardo is well again, he’s back playing again. So for us it’s all about right now and the future – not going back into the past. It is a big game for other reasons now – not for revenge but for something more important than that. It’s because we want to win the league, not settle old scores.’

How the Match Should Play Out:
This meeting will be the 130th time the two squads have met onthe pitch. Arsenal lead the series 57-38 with 34 draws. We mentioned earlier that Birmingham have only conceded 10 goals at home this season. That is tempered by the fact that Arsenal have scored in every match at St Andrew’s since 1979. All in all this should be a game that the Gunner can exert their style of play by being patient. What McLeish says may be true and Birmingham won’t be a physical side to play but they won’t shy away from pressing the player and tackles. They will look to deny Arsenal passing lanes. The Gunners must maintain the patience they’ve displayed to close out opponents. That being said the Gunners have improved on one very important stat – the early goal. They have score within the first 15 minutes in their last two matches, effectively taking the opposition out of the match early. If they do that at St. Andrew’s they take out the side and the home fans.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Sol Campbell. He has been called on more than even he probably thought he would be. And he has not disappointed. There are points in each match wherre he looks a little off of it. But when looked at in the entirety of the match, Campbell continues to provide a solid contribution to the squad. Some have even gone so far as to say that he is a better partner for Vermaelen then the Gallas is. Either way, he is being called on not only to fill in for injuries, he is being called on to provide leadership something missing for the last few years.

Birmingham City: Jerome.  He is Alex McLeish’s leading scorer with 9 this season.

Probable Starting XI:

Injuries/Suspensions:
Arsenal: Gallas (calf) Van Persie (ankle) Gibbs (foot) Djourou (knee) Ramsey (leg) Vermaelen (suspended 1)

Birmingham City: Carsley (ankle) Murphy (hamstring) O’Connor (hip)

Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WWWWW

Birmingham City: LLDWW

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Fabregas 18 (15 league) Arshavin 11 (9 league)

Birmingham: Jerome 9 (9 league) Bowyer 6 (5 league)

Last Meeting: (EPL)
Arsenal: 3
Birmingham City: 1

Match Officials:
Referee: Howard Webb

Assistant Referrees: Darren Cann & Mike Mularkey

4th Official: Anthony Taylor

Broadcast Outlets:
US:  FoxSoccer.TV   1055 EST

UK: Arsenal TV Online 1500 GMT

Online Feeds:
www.atdhe.net

www.iraqgoals.com

www.justin.tv

www.myp2p.eu

Gameday Chat Will Be Open: www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Birmingham City: 1

Popularity: 31% [?]

Top of the Table? Arsenal v West Ham; Match Preview

A London Derby Delight

“With eight games – four at home, four away – left, we are still in the race, so let’s have a go.” – Arsene Wenger.  That’s pretty straight forward, isn’t it?  So, without looking ahead and the eye firmly on the league prize, Arsenal play host to London rivals West Ham.

Again for Arsenal its facing off against a team that is within spitting distance of the relegation zone but who always plays the Gunners hard. West Ham will likely  stave off relegation, thanks in part to Pompey’s 9 point deduction and that Burnley and Hull are worse than they are. However, it has not been the season the Hammers thought they would have. Last season they finishined in the top 10 and had their sights firmly on qualifying for Europe this season.

Unfortunately things don’t go always as planned and thanks to injuries and inconsistency Gianfranco Zola (a good manager) is likely on the chopping block. In fairness it is not all his fault. Mismanagement of the team from the former owners and lack of available funds (bad spending policies) made it near impossible for Zola to fill out his squad appropriately. Throw all that in with the fact that West Ham have only won once on the road this season, and you get their current predicament.

The good news for West Ham is that Carlton Cole has returned from a prolonged injury. The big strong central man always figures large in these matches and there is no doubting he will try to again. Also coming back in time for this match is Mark Noble. But while they return the team loses skipper Scott Parker who is suffering from a leg injury.

While it is likely this match will mean little to West Ham’s relegation hopes – they aren’t expected to win here – they will play a tought game for the Gunners and will do everything they can to frustrate them. They’ve shown they can be dangerous and can score. So Arsenal cannot look past this match and on to other pastures that seem brighter.

When Arsenal last met West Ham, the Gunners sat on a 2-0 comfortable lead for most of the match only to let stupid lapses cause them to let the Hammers back into the match. The result was a 2-2 tie that really began the discussion about the back four of the squad and also whether or not we had sufficient goal keeping to keep us in the title hunt.

All that seems so long ago. The Gunners are shoring up their defence. Even with William Gallas out and the old man of the squad, Sol Campbell filling in the defense has been solid – for the most part. With the exception of the questionable penalty call against Sol in the Hull match – the Gunners have only conceded 1 goal (2 total) with Sol starting. They still limit the shots on Almunia and Almunia has being doing just enough right to see them through.

The Gunners are on a solid run of form having dispacted their last 5 premier league opponents. In those 5 games – even matches they’ve lead with big leads – the Gunners have managed to at least score 1 goal in the last 10 minutes of each match. For their opposition having a draw or a 1 goal lead will not be enough. To put the Gunners away you have to score more than one. THe league’s most potent offence has shown this season that they can score and score to rescue games when the outcome seems so against them. But frankly, that is what it takes to be a winner and dare I say a champion. You can’t always win pretty – sometimes you have to win ugly. You have to dig down and just press on and hope a break falls your way and that you get the goal. That is what Arsenal have done, especially in matches they probably shouldn’t have won. But they did.

Arsene Wenger’s squad will be bouyed this week by the return of Captain Cesc Fabregas. It is likley that the catallan could’ve played last week if it was really deemed necessary, but Arsene and the physios did the right thing letting him rest another weekend and get healthy for the run. Also returning to the squad is Alexander Song who missed the last two EPL matches while serving a two game suspension for his tenth yellow card. However, William Gallas is still suffering from a niggly calf injury and the time frame for his return is unknown.

Overall this is another match that the Gunners must win in order to maintain the pressure on United and Chelsea. The good thing about playing today is that should they win – they get the leisure of being at the top of the table for at least a day and seeing how their title rivals fare. Out of the three teams the probably have the easiest tie. United face off against Liverpool and Chelsea who could be in a fragile state of mind given their CL burn out face off against Bolton.

Still it is a good weekend to be an Arsenal fan. It’s time to sit back and watch the weekend play out.

How the Match Should Play Out:
In their last meeting Arsenal dominated most of the match. Even after West Ham came back to 2-2 Arsenal held the attack and could’ve  gone on to win the game. Either Walcott or Nasri will start on the wing (I am going for Nasri) and either of them should create match up issues for West Ham. Walcott for his pace and Nasri for his play making ability. Arsenal are certainly going to be geared up for the match given their recent form, their confidence and what is at stake. Throw that all into a home match and unfortunately things do not look good for the visitors. The good, is that Zola does not preach at “hard” style. He will likely have his team press but they do play a more open style and even in tight corners they could still give Arsenal the space to play. I think Arsenal score AGAIN within the first 15 minutes of the match.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Nicklas Bendtner. Okay, I admit it – he is putting actions behind his words. He wants to be the best and he is doing all he can to show it. He has scored 6 goals in his last 3 matches. While he still has some developing to do he has given Arsenal a sorely needed presence in the center of the box.

West Ham: Carlton Cole. Carlton has a lot to play for in the remainder of the season. He is looking to force Fabio Capello to take a good hard look at him when making out his England squad for South Africa. With a chip like that on his shoulder the big man should be more than up for making his presence felt.

Probable Starting XI:

It could work out this way

Injuries/Suspensions:
Arsenal: Gallas (calf) Van Persie (ankle) Gibbs (foot) Djourou (knee) Ramsey (leg)

West Ham: Boa Morte (knee) Hines ( knee) Ilunga (tendon) Parker (leg) Faubert (hamstring) De Costa (suspended)

Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WWWWW

West Ham: LLLWW

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Fabregas 17 (14 league) Arshavin 11 (9 league)

West Ham: Cole 9 (9 league) Diamanti 8 (7 league)

Last Meeting: (FA CUP)
Arsenal: 2
West Ham: 1

Match Officials:
Referee: Martin Atkinson

Assistant Referrees: Phil Sharp & Peter Kirkup

4th Official: Lee Probert

Broadcast Outlets:
US: Fox Soccer Channel and FoxSoccer.TV   1330 EST

UK: ESPN 4 1730 GMT

Online Feeds:
www.atdhe.net

www.iraqgoals.com

www.justin.tv

www.myp2p.eu

Gameday Chat Will Be Open: www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
West Ham: 1

Popularity: 11% [?]

The Run For Glory!!!

Doing It Together

There were a couple times this year when you couldn’t blame Gooners if they were down in the dumps and feeling another trophyless season was inevitable (no I wasn’t one of them). Early in the season after a devastaing loss to Chelsea, Arsenal sat 11 points adrift of the leaders and more inline with the pack fighting for fourth place. But then arsenal went on an extended succesful run and Chelsea and United kept dropping points to where glory be – Arsenal actually were in first place for 1 day.

Then the table seemingly doomed them with 4 matches against hard oppoenents. Away to Villa, home to United, away to Chelsea and home to Liverpool. The first three matches left Arsenal adrift after a run of D L L. Only a late winner against Liverpool salvaged 3 points and kept the Gunners 9 points off of Chelsea.

Since that run of matches Arsenal have yet to lose. They have yet to draw and for the first time this season sit on a winning streak of 5 league matches. The only hiccup was the 2-1 Champion’s League loss at Porto that was immediately put to bed by an emphatic 5-0 win a fortnight after the loss.

Here we are with 8 games left and Arsenal are two points off leader, Manchester United. Their run of matches is more favorable to them than either United or Chelsea. Arsenal have been through the big 4 twice and while it wasn’t pretty (only two wins against Liverpool) they are still in it. And this all despite having a slew of injuries that would’ve crippled lesser teams.

I thought it would be interesting and look at the remaining matches for all three teams and see where they might all net out in terms of wins and points. This is all pure conjecture. If anything can be taken away from this season, it is  that nothing can be taken for granted and anything can happen.

So here we go:

The Run for Glory

If this all plays out like this (again that’s a big if) – then the final point talley’s would be 90 Arsenal, 85 Chelsea, and 82 United. Again, that assumes all this plays out like it should. Figure if every team loses just one match and draws and wins are about even Arsenal could and should win the title.

Nothing scientific went into how I predicted wins, losses or draws. I tried to take into account where the match was played, this season’s history and what each team was fighting for. I really do see Sunderland and Stoke as stumbling blocks for United. Sunderland because they were unfortunate against United last time to come away with only a point and will be fighting to make sure they are safely out of the relegation zone and Stoke could be playing for that last Europa league spot.

For Chelsea I see Liverpool as the biggest stumbling block because Liverpool are coming into form and will likely be fighting for Champion’s League football.

There are hiccups for Arsenal as well. Spurs and City could be tough battles and Birmingham has been good this season. Finally Fulham while I have drawn up as a win could be a hard one. They are well coached and have played some really good matches. But I have to say as I see Arsenal being stronger at the end of the season, especially if Robin Van Persie makes his return to the squad.

Regardless of how this plays out the fact that Arsenal are here is slightly short of miraculous. Given their past point deficits and the lingering injury problems to key players. They have done this all because of their talent and even if the doubters don’t want to hear it – the prudence and management of Arsene Wenger. He has never doubted his squad nor their talent. He said at the beginning of the season he saw a lot potential in this squad. He said they were on the cusp of great things and would win silverware this year – all of which were greated with a loud resounding “YEAH RIGHT!!!” Arsene could very well have the last laugh.

Arsenal are now legitimate contenders for both the EPL title and Champion’s League title. Winning something would be astounding. Winning both? Would that surprise you given how this season has developed?

Popularity: 4% [?]

This One Will Be Fun: Arsenal v Hull; Match Preview

Ther will be no spitting in this match

This should be interesting. For a team only up in the EPL for two years there has been enough animosity built between Arsenal and Hull that you are almost certain nowadays to have something flare up. Whether its Hull’s shock 3-1 win against Arsenal last season, Gallas’ controversial winner in the FA Cup, Phlegmgate between Phil and Cesc, or Nasri kicking someone in the ding-ding earlier this season, it seems like these matches are always lively affairs. With a lot at stake for both teams it’s likely to be the case again.

For the tan man’s Hull City squad they’ve only won once in  their last 14 tries, a 2-1 win against Man City in February. They are trying to stave off relegation having lost their last three league matches though their last home match was a win. Hull only have four clean sheets this season and have conceded more goals (13) in the last 10 minutes of each match than any other EPL team. As if that weren’t enough, they are suffering from internal frustration as both Jummy Bullard and Nick Barmby (their own Nicky B) had a training session bust up.

Hull will be boosted by the returns of Andy Dawson from an asthma attack and Craig Fagan from a suspension. Stephen Hunt is probable for the Tigers but is suffering froma foot injury that is requiring constant injections. Defender Ian Gardner and Ian Ashbee will be out for Hull as long-term injuries will likely keep them out for the remainder of the season.

For Arsenal, they are riding a wave of four successive league wins. They emphatically destroyed a weaker Porto side in the mid-week Champion’s league side, which was more impressive because it was done without their primary cog, Captain Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas looks to be out again this week, still recovering from his hamstring injury. Not a bad call as the spainaird will be needed for the remaining eight league matches next round of Champion’s League football.

Also likely to miss the match are Tomas Rosicky and Bacary Sagna with niggly injuries. Given the form of Sagna’s replacement Eboue letting the French right back take some rest isn’t a bad thing. Rosicky was a 50-50 decision and won’t be known until the squads are announced. Sol Campbell who was thought to get a rest is set to play as William Gallas is still out with a reoccuring calf injury. Finally, Alex Song will be out serving the second of his two game suspension for 10 yellow cards.

An Arsenal win keeps the pressure on Chelsea and United and continues their impressive run for the title.  Chelsea do play earlier and it is possible that should West Ham pull off a miracle Arsenal could pass them up for a solid position in 1st place (for a day at least). A win also pulls the Gunners a head of United who play Fulham on Sunday.  Hull though won’t be easy. It’s unknown which Hull side will show up. They play hard some times or completely self-destruct (like their 5-1 thrashing last week to Everton). Either way Hull are well managed and won’t be a push over. So for Arsenal it will be a case of staying home and playing their game. They will need to be paitent with a Hull side that will likely try and play the game tight and physical.

Overall the problem for Hull is that without Fabregas, the side are less reliant on one player to open things up. While Cesc is a maestro on the field the movement of the team without him in my opinon seems more fluid and because they rely on everybody to bring the ball in they are harder to close down. With Arshavin and Nasri showing what they can do to an opponent if given the space, Hull will be hard pressed to find one individual to key on. Additionally, Walcott and Bendtner have slowly been showing their worth. The England international is starting to show that he does have a football brain and is finding that when you take a defender inside from an outside run it will open up space for you to have better chances. Trying to always pressure from outside more than often leads to the prototypical Walcott far and wide shot that skitters across the goal.

Both the great Dane and the Englander have shown that they can rise to the criticism they receive and will need to continue their upward progression. Better they do it with a chip ontheir shoulder.

The Gunners come to KC Stadium looking for their fifth league win in a row (their first time this season). Arsenal have won half of their 14 away matches this season a feat only bettered by Manchester United. Arsenal are back to being the league leading scorers with 69 league goals and 99 in all competitions. In their last three league matches Arsenal have scored four goals in or at the 90th minute making squeaky bum time of about 20 minutes or so preceding that. Finally, while Hull have conceded more goals in the last ten minutes, Arsenal lead the league with scoring in the last ten – 14.

Regardless given the current history and the current form of the two clubs, this is going to be a fun a match.

How the Match Should Play Out:
Arsenal scored their first home goal with in the first 15 minutes of any match this season against Porto. It set an early tone and really put the outcome of the match out of anyone’s mind. Arsenal will need to do this and two goals within 25 minutes will make sure the home side get no sniff of a win. The longer Arsenal let the tigers sit around near them the more confidence the Tan one’s side will get. The play of Nasri, Arshavin and Bendtner should be too much for thier struggling hosts. But look for Walcott and Eboue to be the X factor of the match.  The only Arsenal concern is Denilson in the holding role. Against Burnley he was quiet and we can only hope that it stays that way this week.

Players to watch.
Arsenal: Nicklas Bendtner.  A Few short days after being criticized by the press and some fans for his missing 5 golden chances against Burnley, the danish forward with the ego the size of an freight train, scored a hat trick against Porto showing that he is capable of putting a bad performance behind him. What Nicky B has been able to show, even when not scoring, is an improved ability to find the space to find the shot. He also shown that when playing with Arshavin in the wing he is more than happy to take the beautfiul shots given to him from the Russian star.

Hull City: Jimmy Bullard.  Jimmy is a character and a good one. But he also is Hull’s best threat and before his injury he looked keyed in to carry them forward. He is Hull’s best chance at opening up Arsenal. Plus the mock scolding of his team after playing City to a draw early in the season was CLASSIC!!!

Probable Starting XI:

No sptting at the KC.

Injuries/Suspensions:
Arsenal: Fabregas (hamstring), Gallas (calf), Song (suspended), Djourou (ankle), Van Persie (ankle) Gibbs (foot), Ramsey (leg)

Hull City: Ashbee (knee), Gardner (ankle)

Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WWWWL

Hull City: LLLWD

Match Officials:
Referee: Andre Marriner

Assistant Referees: Patrick Keane & Adam Watts

Fourth Official: Chris Foy

Broadcast TV:
US:  FSC 1230 EST (on foxsoccer.tv as well)

UK: ESPN UK 1730 GMT

Online Feeds:
www.atdhe.net

www.justin.tv

www.myp2p.eu

www.iraqgoals.net

Gameday Chat Will Be Open. www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal – 4
Hull – 1

Popularity: 7% [?]

Historical, No. Needed, Yes. Arsenal vs Porto Match Preview (CL 2nd Leg)

Champion's League Knockout Stages RETURN!!!

Well there is nothing like going into a fight with one hand (or foot) tied behind your back, right? Based on the current injury list that could be a description befitting this current Arsenal squad. Coming into the second leg of this knock-out stage clash against Porto – Arsenal will take the field without their talismanic Captain Cesc Fabregas. 

Fabregas is out with the recurring injury to hamstring that kept him out for a couple of weeks at the end of 2009. Arsenal were taking a wait and see approach with their captain in hopes that a couple of days might heel the injury enough that he could. It didn’t and he won’t.  For a team down 2-1, having the best mid-fielder in the EPL and quite possibly Europe out is a big thing. 

But take hear Gooners, this is an Arsenal squad that going into the match at the Emirates is stronger (even with Fabs not being in the lineup) than it was two weeks ago when they went into Porto. The lineup for that match was: 

Fabianski, Vermaelen, Campbell, Clichy, Sagna, Denilson, Fabregas, Diaby, Nasri, Bendtner, Rosicky 

You can see who my probables are further down the page. But we have Almunia in goal and Song in the midfield. Also in the last match Porto were slow down the sides and I think Walcott should start here. Finally, Arshavin was out completely for that match and given the opportunities that were presented at Porto a finisher like him could have a field day. 

The big thing for Arsenal to do is to close down the midfield action. In the first leg the space was wide open and there was too much room for Porto to maneuver. Frankly I was surprised at the score as neither team seemed intent on playing any defence. They were both given the space necessary to move around the pitch with free will and create numerous chances. The team that can clog up the middle and maintain it’s attack will win this leg and the move to the next round. 

Looking back at the previous match, even with all the space int he field, Porto did not have many quality chances. Their two goals  were a direct result of the insanity that is Arsenal’s goal keeping situation. Fabianski, rated by some as superior to Almunia, badly misplayed the first goal and completely forget how to stall for the second one that he was caught unawares. In fairness, while the 2nd goal is in the spirit of the rules, typically the ref will allow everyone to get into position before let the free kick go on. That would be typical but with the ref in question – anything is far from typical. Needless to say Fabianski does the bone headed thing and doesn’t delay for his teammates to get in to place and Porto knocked the ball in 2-1 and chaos ensued. 

Anyway that is old news and now the match has switched to the friendly confines of the Emirates stadium. Arsenal need to win 1-0 or 3-1 to move to the next round. The task is made harder with Fabregas’ abscense but not impossible. Porto were hardly a threat to score repeatedly in Portugal. And if not for the two Fabianski gaffs the Gunners could’ve come out victorious. But they didn’t so the pressure is squarely on them. 

As I said I think even with the exclusion of Fabregas our side is stronger than Porto and stronger than what was fielded in the first leg. There were missed chances in the box in the early match and someone like Arshavin could’ve put at least one of them away. All of that and the speed that Theo has can come into play against a slower opponent. 

Both teams have had good runs of late as Arsenal have won 4 of their last domestic matches putting them right back into the hunt of the domestic campaign. Porto had a run of 14 unbeaten in Liga end with a recent 3-0 loss and currently sit just outside the top two spots. Porto in England have not done so well losing all 6 of their visits to the footballing motherland. Their last two attepmts were a 1-0 loss to Chelsea and a 4-0 loss to Arsenal in this year and last year’s group stages. For Arsenal the challenge is just as hard as they have only once overturned a deficit like this in the Champion’s league out of nine times.

How the Match Should Play Out:

There is nothing difficult about this match. It looks to be an edgy affair. Arsenal are going to need to attack with Porto afforded the luxury of parking the bus and trying to absorb the attack. While they’ve vowed not to that, it remains to be seen. Overall, I think they will only try to counter-attack if they can assuming the midfeild to be open like it was int he first match. Personally, I think either tack plays into Arsenal. Arsenal picked apart their defense in the first leg – they simply failed to convert the chances they were presented. That would do well for both a defencive posture and a counter-attacking posture. THe key would be as I mentioned earlier Arsenal doing it’s part to lock up the midfield. If they do that and continue the pressure they showed in Portugal a win is not unlikely. 

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Samir Nasri. With Captain Fabregas sidelined for the match, Nasri will slot into the creative role. Nasri has come on of late and in the last match against Brunley he was a suitable deputy to the departed spainaird. Nasri has vision and flexibility on the field and I think on a perfect day a midfield of Nasri and Fabregas would be one of the strongest if not the strongest in the EPL. Plus he does have a physical edge to his play that I like. 

Porto: Hulk. Hulk only gets to play on international duty as he is supended for 4 months in his domestic league. He was relatively quiet in the first leg having been swallowed up effectively by Campbell and Vermaelen. If Porto want to put the match away – they need him desperately. 

Injuries:
Arsenal: Fabregas, Gallas, Djourou, Gibbs, van Persie, Ramsey 

Porto: Farias, Fernando 

Probable Starting XI:
Arsenal: Almunia, Campbell, Vermaelen, Sagna, Clichy, Diaby, Nasri, Song, Arshavin, Walcott, Bendtner 

Porto:Helton, Lopes, Rolando, Alves, Fucile, Sa, Belluschi , Costa, Mariano, Falcao, Hulk 

TV Broadcasts:
US: FSC 2:45PM EST 

UK:  Sky Sports 2 1945 GMT 

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YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal – 3
Porto – 1

Popularity: 8% [?]

The Best Medicine: Arsenal v Burnley; Match Preview

The run begins!

When these teams last met – Burnley equalized the game with an hour remaining and managed to hold off a charging Arsenal for the remainder of the match. As the 2nd round switches to the friendly confines of the Emirates stadium, it seems unlikely that this could happen again.

The task for Burnley is huge, while they have been impressive at Turf Moor their away form has been dreadful – 1 point from 14 matches. It gets even worse when you consider they have only won once in their last 16 matches, a 2-1 victory over West Ham at the beginning of February. But Gunners should not fooled by their inpetitude, they are a squad fighting for their very survival and that means they could be very cagey.

Burnley have made it absolutely clear they do not intend to sit back on Arsenal and like everyone has said int he last coming weeks – “We intend to play Arsenal hard.” On it’s surface that seems a sound philosophy but after last week’s injury to Aaron Ramsey, the Gunners showed mettle they haven’t in some time and took apart Stoke in the remaining 20 minutes of the match. An over aggressive Burnley will only set themselves up for penalties and points against.

For Arsenal, it has been a week of emotion. A lot has been debated about the tackle on Aaron Ramsey. Was it intentional, what does it mean, etc. We’ve heard it all. The good thing about this Saturday is we can put that print to rest and concentrate on some football. You can expect the Emirates to be a rocking venue this week as th home crowd are set to urge their team on in honour of the injured midfielder. Large tribue banners from Arseblog and REDaction are set to be unveiled. As the team has vowed to win the league to honour the young welshman, the atmosphere should be almost cup like.

But even the gunners won’t be without just Ramsey. Sol Campbell who played an amzing game against Stoke is out with aslight groin injury. The original centre back William Gallas remains out with his injury which means that Mikhail Silvestre will likley get the start. In addition to Sol Campbell being out, Alex Song, sits out for two games serving a suspension for his 10th yellow card of the season.

However the Gunners will be bouyed by the return of both Andrei Arshavin and Abou Diaby to the lineup. Also returning but less inpiring is Denilson.  The arrival of Burnley could be what the doctor ordered to keep the Gunner’s hjead on. Two years ago after the inury to Eduardo, the Gunners lost their next 4 league matches and fell from 1st to 3rd in the league. In order to keep pressure on Chelsea and United and to move briefly to the top of the table again – Arsenal need to win by 4 points or more. A win keeps them firmly in it. A big win gets them in a really good position.

Cesc Fabregas has told anyone who will listen that this time will be different. This is a different Arsenal squad under different leadership. That was clearly evident by the team display at the end of the match last week. Again, going back two yers ago at the end of the Eduardo injury match against Birmingham the team was a set of indivudlas, rudderless with Captain William Gallas sitting alone from the team on the pitch. Last week Captain Fabregas and veteran Campbell called the boys together for a group huddle – ala the invincibles.

While the Gunners have done very well to stay in the hunt alot of people still managed to question their title credentials. Now with a cause at their back the perception of some people has changed. Even Sir Alex Furgeson who seemed reluctant to admit that Arsenal were in it, this week told the press and his team that they would have to contend with an Arsenal squad who seem motivated, directed and focused on making a run for the title. There are still significant matches to be had and as we’ve discovered (and Chelsea and United too) anything can happen.

Out of the three title contenders however, Arsenal admittedly have the “easiest” run. Chelsea and United still have to square off against each other, and Liverpool. Arsenal – well they don’t have to face the big four again until next season. Their hardest matches likely are Spurs away and City at home.  But right now they have Burnley.

How the Match Should Play Out:
Burnley have the worst defencive record in the EPL – letting in 55 goals. Arsenal are co-scoring leaders with United having put 66 goals past all the keepers in the EPL. A gathering of forces like that can only lead to one thing (hopefully) a plethora of goals. Look for Arsenal to be really geared up for this match. I also suspect that Arsenal could very well break their drought of not scoring in the opening 15 minutes of a match at the Emirates. This could be one of – those vintage Arsenal routes (I hope).

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas.  One more goal this season and the Arsenal Captain will equal Robert Pires for most goals by an Arsenal midfielder in a season (14). With many games left to play, that number will easily get shattered. Stoke gave him the space to operate last week and he surgically cut them open. Even before the Ramsey injury you had thought Arsenal were a threat to score and that was primarily of Cesc’s ability to control the game.

Burnley:  Steven Fletcher. The Scottish forward returns to the squad this week playing with a cast on his hand. If Burnley are to do anything they will need him to find form and place pressure on the Arsenal middle.

Probable Starting XI:

Injuries:
Arsenal: Ramsey (leg), Van Persie (ankle) Djourou (knee) Gibbs (foot) Gallas (calf) Campbell (groin)

Burnley: Caldwell (groin) McCann (knee)

Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WWWLL

Burnley: LLLLL

Match Officials:
Referee: Alan Wiley

Assistant Referees: Shaun Procter-Green & Mark Scholes

Fourth Official: Mike Dean

TV Broadcast Schedule:
US:???

UK: ???

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YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Burnley: 0

Popularity: 5% [?]