Anyone For Seconds? Arsenal v Bolton, Match Preview
De Ja Vous? Haven't we met before?
Ed Note: I apologize well in advance for the weakness of this write up (no I am not looking for kudos) – but I am trying to fight off a nasty cold/flu thingy. But the post will get better with your comments.
When our two heros last met Bolton’s Brawny Beaters were soundly beaten by the finesse and grit of the Arsenal. With business unfinished and 3 days in between their last meeting, the Wanderers wander to North London to take on the Gunners in a more friendly envrionment.
During the match this past Sunday you had to give full respect (for a while at least) to Bolton. They were playing at home and playing in front of their new manager. They came ready to play and early in they were intent on showing they would not go easy into the darkness. But when Captain Fabtastic is in form there is little doubt what can happen on the pitch.
New manager Owen Coyle must have been slightly disappointed with his team. Coyle prefers an open flowing style akin to what Arsenal do. He is not one for hacking and beating. But when forced back as Bolton were during the match, the resorted to their usual tactics. Fabregas was their primary target and took the brunt of the beatings. With the exception of a 3 on 1 mugging of Diaby – the Bolton goon squad tried all match to throw the dynamic spaniard off his game.
But it only served to reinforce his resolve and he not only scored the fist goal but set up the second. He likely should’ve had a second goal and at least one penalty shot but his one goal was enough and the assist put aside any doubt as to the result.
The second meeting has higher stakes than the first. A 2-0 result will place Arsenal atop of the Premier League for the first time since the fluttered out of contention post Eduardo injury in 2009. The young guns haven’t been int his position and getting the league lead even for a while should go a long way to build confidence in their abilities. And given the adversity with the one for one injury policy at the Emirates the fact they are here shouldn’t diminsh the potential of this current crop of Gunners.
The Emirates leg of the matchup sees the return of Walcott and Denilson to the squad. But in true Arsenal fashion, Nasri, Ramsey and Merida take their spots. Also likely to return to his starting spot is Gael Clichy who missed the last 15 matches with a back injury. He will replace Aarmond Traore who while he played well for most of the matches, he teetered off in the last two. Whether that is because he knew he would be riding the bench soon or he just tired out having not played this much – it remains to be seen. And while it is easy to castigate the lad for his recent performances, kudos have to be given for the yeoman work he put in filling in for both Clichy and Gibbs.
Look for Craig Eastmond to get another start – only because Denilson is just back. Had Denilson had more time under his belt he could start. But I think given the how the injuries keep piling up, Wenger might keep in reserve as a sub until Eastmond tires out. Eastmond didn’t play horribly but you could clearly see in the last match that he tired out as the match went along. While Song is away my thought would be to keep Eastmond on the bench – and playing. Let’s face it Denilson isn’t a holding midfielder and doesn’t resemble one. If he has to start Arsene – put Diaby in the holding role.
Anway, I digress.
This will likely be another feisty affair in part because fat Phil Dowd did little in the first meeting to control the rampant pugilism. As a matter of fact the first yellow he gave was to Tomas “the tiny enforcer” Rosicky for a sly trip on a Bolton player. However, Bolton should keep in mind they are coming into an environment where Arsenal have been rock solid. In 10 matches at home they have only lost once. Arsene Wenger set at the beginning of the season a goal of making the Emriates a fortress for the squad – so far only Chelsea have managed to breach it. Another win puts the Gunners clearly atop the apex of the EPL table.
How the Game Should Play Out:
I think you saw how it will play out. Expect Bolton to press again and if that doesn’t work expect them to try and lay a beating down on the Gunners. The problem is this Arsenal squad is patient. They will do what they can to win the game. However, I would look for the Gunners to get an early jump early. Take the wind out of Bolton early and press their case. Fabregas almost did on the non-call on Jasskeleinen. Look for an Arsenal goal early and if they get it – I would suspect the route will be on – only because the boys will be up for what is at stake. Interesting note: Mark Clattenburg, today’s ref was the 4th official on Sunday, will what he saw then affect how he calls the match?
Possible Starting XI:
You got one better?
Injuries/Unavailable:
Arsenal: Nasri (hamstring), Merida (ankle), Wilshere (hamstring) Ramsey (hamstring) Bendtner (groin) Djourou (knee) Gibbs (ankle) Van Persie (ankle) Senderos (foot), Ebou (ACoN) Song (ACoN)
Bolton: Davis (knee) J O’Brien (knee) Shittu (ACoN)
Player to Watch:
Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas. He set the tone for the match and look for him to do it again.
Bolton: Owen Coyle. Yeah I know I am picking him again. He has had a couple more days to work with the squad he inherited. He will look to instill some more discipline and hopefully keep cooler heads on the pitch. Bolton didn’t look much like a football squad than a hockey team. That in my opinion takes them out of the game. If Coyle is going to get Bolton out of the relegation zone he will need to get them to concentrate on playing football and less on beating the crap out of players. If they do that they may actually win a game or two.
Match Officials:
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Assistant Referees: Mick McDonough and John Flynn
Fourth Official: Chris Foy.
Recent League Form:
Arsenal: WWWWD
Bolton: LDDWD
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YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal – 3
Bolton – 0
