EPL Match Day 16: Arsenal v Fulham; Match Preview
Ah Sparky How We Missed Ya.
He’s back. If there is any manager I hate as much as Harry Redknapp it is our beloved Sparky, Mark Hughes. We didn’t get the joy of Mark’s presence in the Manchester City match this year. He was sorely missed. The match lacked that certain how shall you say – je nais se quoi – you know the Mark Hughes “stuck in” touch. But here is with another club – this time Fulham who pay us a visit this week in the Emirates.
I won’t spend too much time on Mark Hughes. I think its pretty well known what a low life scum he is. And I think any doubt that he is a solid manager has been put to rest with this Fulham squad. Why you ask? Well, you need not look any further than the results of this team. He’s more doesn’t know how to manage and like his run with Man City, he has the team drawing more than any thing else. Definitely more than winning – they only have 2 this season.
The visitors form has been abismal this season. They can barely score goals. And they can barely hold on to leads – that they do get. There have been the odd match or two that they have played well but it is rare.
For their part Fulham have been historically bad when visiting Arsenal. In 24 away matches Fulham have managed just 3 draws and 21 losses. Throw into the mix the fact that in their last 25 away matches in the Premier league, and this is a squad that is ripe for picking.
But let’s not get a head of ourselves shall we. Our Arsenal have had their own issues. Our last two home league matches were failures of epic proportions – losing after a 2-0 lead against Spurs and losing 1-0 to Newcastle. So home is not the comfort it was. However, a solid Carling Cup performance at the Emirates may be the start of turning it around on our own pitch.
Since 1977 Arsenal have not lost 3 matches in succession at home. I don’t think this will be the case again today. When looking at the squad for today, I had a hard time deciding who to play. The squad I present is my rationale thinking about it but I have read from Arsene today, that he could very well slot in Robin Van Persie behind Marouane Chamakh. That would make Tomas Rosicky the odd man out.
Frankly, I would love to this for a couple of reasons. Sure, we played Wigan on the weekend, but Robin Van Persie, was ready to play and his passing were sublime almost every time. While the scoring may not be there, his desire and ability were and that can only benefit Chamakh. Additionally, what better way for Van Persie to find his scoring touch to get the ball fed to him by forward who really knows how to hold the ball and bring players in to the attack. Chamakh has been brilliant at this all season and I have always felt that the biggest benefactor of Chamakh’s skill would not only be the club (10 goals in all competitions) but Robin Van Persie.
I will scream for it again but I want to see Johann Djourou start in front of Koscielny. If for any other reason than he has shown in each of the last few matches he has started that he should play. He is gaining in confidence and is not making the one-boneheaded mistake that Koscielny seems to be making. He seems calm in the back and in the Carling Cup worked very well in directing his fellow defenders. Sometimes in watching Koscielny, I get the hazard, scrambling feeling from him. And while I say that for a bit with Djourou in his last games that has been missing – which is obviously a good thing. I doubt Wenger is listening to me which is why I reflect Koscielny getting the start below.
Other than those two decision points, the club should pretty much be identical to the squad that controlled the Villa match. There are still some issues that need to be worked out. I do believe that they are more mental than related to skill or quality. The club need to believe in their ability. It is there. Sure, some of you don’t see it or believe it. But it is. The ability and talent of this squad is there.
I would agree that if Vermaelen winds up being a long-term crock a more mature and solid Central Back is needed. Squallaci is doing yeoman’s work in the back but this is first season in the EPL and there are likely to be times of worry with him. We all know the trials and tribulations of Koscielny and Djourou just doesn’t seem to have favor right now (for whatever unknown Wenger reason there is).
After this match the squad have two very tough but winnable matches. A win on Saturday and we go back atop of the league. And with United’s match being postponed we have a chance to go there for a while. Regardless of that however, we need to get back to winning at home to put this ship right and continue challenging for honours.
How the Match Should Play Out:
I suspect we will see something similar to what happened at Villa last week. I think we are going to be too much early on and Mark Schwarzer will be under too much pressure from an onslaught of chances. It won’t matter who we have sitting behind Chamakh – Rosicky or Van Persie. There is too much attacking power on this squad. The key question is if we take the lead – can we set up shop defencively and protect it?
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Marouane Chamakh. Say what you will, but I think this is the best signing next to Spurs signing Van Der Faart – except without the injuries. He’s targetted 15-20 goals this season to help the club. At the pace he is going – he could achieve that and more. Not the best all the times with his feet and could do with a little more selfishness but I’ll take the goals he’s giving us.
Fulham: Mark Schwarzer. If anyone thinks it was a coincidence Schwarzer signed a new deal at Fulham 2 days prior to the Arsenal match you are mistaken. It is clear from the signing of Szczesny to a new deal and Fabianski’s improved form that Schwarzer wasn’t going to get a deal at Arsenal in January. So he had to take what was given to him at Arsenal. But it should be an interesting view of player that was so highly thought of in the summer.
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Almunia (elbow) Vermaelen (achilles) Frimpong (knee) Diaby (ankle) Fabregas (thigh)
Fulham: Dembele (ankle) Halliche (thigh) Senderos (Achilles) Stoor (groin) Zamora (leg)
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 4
Fulham: 0
Last 5:
Arsenal: WLWLW
Fulham: DLDLD
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Chamakh 10 (7 league) Nasri 9 (6 league) Walcott 7 (5 league) Arshavin 6 (3 League)
Fulham: Dempsey: 6 (5 league) Dembele: 3 (2 league)
Goals For:
Arsenal: 2.4 (home)
Fulham .7 (away)
Goals Against:
Arsenal: 1.3 (home)
Fulham: 1 (away)
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 15
Fulham: -3
Match Officials:
Referee: Chris Foy
Assistant Referees: Darren Cann & Bob Pollock
Fourth Official: Mark Halsey
Broadcast Information:
US: FSC 10:00AM EST
UK: ?????
Feeds:
www.atdhe.net
GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!
www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Fulham: 0
[donate]
