EPL Match Day 3: Arsenal v Blackburn; Match Preview
Interesting journey we’ve had at the start of the season – we went to LiverPOOL, then BLACKPOOL came to us and now for Match Day 3 of the EPL season, we head to BLACKburn. I think the EPL schedule makers must have a sense of humor. But I digress. Any journey to Ewood park these days means a meeting with a team managed by one of Arsene Wenger’s true nemesis – Sam Allardyce.
You know Big Sam. He who next to Fat ‘Arry is the second savior of English Football. Except he doesn’t coach football. Its more Rugby than football. You can bet when any team managed by Sam goes into the training room in preparation for playing a team far greater than they are the speech goes something like this:
“Allright boys you know what to do – when you’re on the pitch – stick one into ’em” (that last part should be said rather gruffly and with verve and feeling.)
I’m sorry I don’t rate Sam that much. Yeah, I know Blackburn only lost at home 3 times last season. I don’t have the fixture results but I would wager there were more draws than wins. It’s just me, I don’t know for sure. I just don’t think Sam is a tactical genius. The thing is, the EPL is so good playing at anyone’s home pitch is always a hard venture.
Of course Blackburn are feeling up for the match. They did beat Arsenal 2-1 last year in the closing weeks of the season. I guess it should bear some reminding that most of the team Blackburn will be facing on Saturday were not on the pitch or near the stadium at that match. It should also be mentioned that one inept ‘keeper (rhymes with Sappyanski) gifted a couple of goals after a Robin Van Persie scorcher had taken the lead.
Regardless of all that its likely to be a good match and one filled with grit. It was the type of match two years ago Arsenal and their youngsters wouldn’t have won. But last season there were times throughout the season when the boys from London Colney were battered and clattered and still found ways to win. Call it what you will, I call it maturity and a sign that the boys were toughening up. Its an optimistic view but a real one in my opinion. I know some of more pessimistic and fatalistic readers are lucky to say it was luck. I’m sorry I disagree it happened on a few occassions last season. It is a growing trend.
Arsenal are going to need build off that trend. To me the key for the season is not dropping points early in the season. Eating up as many points as the team can. Chelsea and United have easy trots and should be getting max points from most of their fixtures. As Chelsea have shown they are determined as ever to win the league. It’s not a must win. Not on the 3rd match in. It is however, a momentum builder and a game that will only add to the confidence of the club if they win it.
The team is slowly building back up as injuries and match fitness players are returning. The good news is Koscielny is back. He spent last week on the bench after an impressive debut againts Liverpool. I’ve read a lot of his comments this week and I like what I hear from the lad. He seems prepared and focused and I agree that like Sol Campbell he is an excellent reader of the match. Against good teams this will come in handy and may make up for some of the size he (bulk) lacks. He says he looks forward to the physical side of the game, well this week, he gets his first real test of it. Blackburn will play the Gunners hard and Koosh is going to get his chance to play physical.
The quandry in the match is the starting XI. 4-4-2 has been mentioned by some fans and pundits as a way to go on the field but as Wenger says in the EPL it will only get you killed. As I watched last Monday in the Man City v Liverpool match, he may be right. From an attacking perspective, Arsene is going to have to start rotating players. Unlike City however, I don’t think many of our players are going to be bitching about it. Depth of attack isn’t something we’ve been particually blessed with recently and it was one of the reasons Marouane Chamakh was added to the squad. I expect RvP and Arshavin to rotate up front with Walcott and to a lesser extent Vela. I like Walcott as a super sub especially games where a change in dynamic is needed. Say what you will about Theo but as the first match last season against Barca demonstrated he can significantly alter how a game is being played.
How the Match Will Play Out:
All the pre-game jostling is done. Arsene has tried to suitably prepare, warn, coerce and draw attention to the thuggery that is Sam Allardyce football. Sam dutifully (along with Fergie) reminded Arsene that his championship winning sides were some of the “Dirtiest” in the league. With all that back drop it is now time to play the match. For what it’s worth, I know Blackburn has an impressive run at home, but I really do think we have one of our best attacking squads in a while. Expect Sam’s side to try and back the bus up and absorb that attack looking to muster their own on the counter. I still think Chamakh up front with Van Persie, Arshavin along the sides, and Fabregas and Rosicky supporting in the middle will be too much for even Blackburn’s anti-football. The third and final goal will be scored by Theo who comes off the bench. All that said if we wound up with a 1-1 draw with no major injuries I’d be happy.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Andrei Arshavin. He went to the press this week to say two things 1.) Arsenal are title contenders and 2.) Arsenal have unfinished business with Blackburn coming out of last season. How can you not like this guy? He will be primed for this match up I am sure.
Blackburn: Diouf. He’s their leading scorer and will relish the chance to upset Arsenal.
Probable Starting XI:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Ramsey (ankle) Bendtner (groin) Frimpong (knee) Nasri (knee)
Blackburn: Andrews (groin)
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 1
Blackburn: 2
Current Form:
Arsenal: DW
Blackburn: WL
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 3 (3 league)
Blackburn: EH Diouf 3 (0 league)
Match Officials:
Referee: Chris Foy
Assistant Referees: Dave Bryan & Scott Ledger
Fourth Official: Lee Probert
Broadcast Information:
US: ESPN2 7:45AM EST
UK: Sky Sports 2 1245 BST
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YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3
Blackburn: 1
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