Match Preview: Arsenal v QPR; EPL Match Day 19

It goes without saying – anything less than 3 points will draw some serious question marks over our ability to sustain a challenge for the top 4.  Good thing for Arsenal is that they face off against QPR, a team that can’t seem to keep opponents from scoring All of it sets the table for a tasty tie to end the first half of the Premier League season.

QPR come to the Emirates coming off a draw to Swansea that ended a run of three successive defeats. They bring a squad that is having challenges defensively and features former Gunner Aarmond Traore as the left back.  It also features Arsenal’s prime agitant – Joey Barton. You remember him. Got Diaby sent off last season. Had Gervinho sent off  this season. Meanwhile for whatever reason his petulant acts go unpunished. The good thing for Arsenal is Diaby isn’t around to lose his cool. The key will be making sure noone else does as that is what Barton brings to the game.

The question remains whether or not Robin Van Persie will start this match. With Fulham a mere 48 hours after this match, resting him for this match seems to be the right option. Resting him however would deny him the chance to equal or better Alan Shearer’s record of 36 goals in a calendar year.  However, if you want my opinion, and I know you do, the only record that matters is the table and the fight for a champion’s league spot. Therefore, forget the antics of getting Van Persie the ball instead of taking clear cut chances. If Van Persie is rested or if people take their own chances to the detriment of the record and for the chance to win – so be it.

Outside of the walking wounded Arsenal fortunately don’t enter this match with any new injury worries. The players up front are still fit if not maybe a little tired from the playing. Unfortunately, for Van Persie, his scoring prowess combined with the inability for Chamakh or Young to show their worth has meant less chances for him to rest. Its not good and it has created the perception that Arsenal are a one-man team. I am sure if there was a suitable number 2 that wouldn’t be the issue but right now we don’t have one.

I think Wenger will go back to his first starting line up with Ramsey in the midfield in place of Benayoun. Walcott is back from the illness that kept him out of the Wolves match. This gives us speed on both sides, something I thought we lacked against Mick McCarthy’s side.  QPR’s defenders aren’t pacy and they could have trouble with the Arsenal attack. Well, if we’re honest, they have had trouble with pretty much everyone’s attack.

But to the matter at hand – given the results of the past week and Arsenal’s failure to make up ground, they need to keep pace and the only way to do that is with a win. A draw isn’t terrible but it does little to help the cause. A loss? Well, I don’t really need to go into that do I?  There can be no mercy for this side and frankly we need to be absolutely cut-throat. I hope that newly minted Gunner Thierry Henry relays that the charges before the match.

That’s right. . Wenger today confirmed they have a deal in place to have Henry on loan at the Emirates for two months – about 11 matches. He won’t be able to play tomorrow because the window doesn’t officially open of course. But he can lend the team some of his wisdom. He needs to let them know that if you believe you can win – you will win. The thing about the teams Henry played with, is that when they took the pitch they knew they’d get a result. The match was over before it had begun. This team needs to start developing that mentality. There certainly is talent enough and a workman like ethic here to make it happen. Hopefully, it is one of the intangibles that Henry brings to the club during his second stint.

How the Match Should Play Out:

Arsenal’s speed and passing should give QPR’s defenders fits. Arsenal need to press for two early goals. One to ease the nerves and second to force the game wide open. The more open Arsenal make the game the more it is likely that the chances will be there for the win and for Van Persie to break the record. Look for Arsenal to press and get the ball back to push their claims on the 3 points. They harried Wolves all day and it resulted in 73% possesion and 22 shots. If not for Hennessy, it would’ve been a route. While I don’t expect this be an 8-2 style thrashing – QPR do have some talent – it could be bad for them.

Players to Watch: 

Arsenal. Robin Van Persie. Yes, I am picking him again. Only because he needs a brace tie the Shearer record. He should be rested but I don’t see it happening.

QPR. Joey Barton.  For all the reasons why you should watch Joey Barton.

Projected Starting XI

Injuries and Suspensions:

Arsenal: Wilshere (ankle)  Sagna (ankle) Gibbs (hernia) Jenkinson (back fracture) Diaby (hamstring) Santos (knee) Fabianksi (knee) Mannone (shoulder)

QPR: Dyer (foot) Ferdinand (hamstring) Hulse (knee)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal:  Van Persie 21 (16 league)

QPR: Helguson 7 (7 league)

Last Meeting (2006 FA Cup):

Arsenal: 6

QPR: 0

Goals For:

Arsenal (home): 1.8

QPR (away): 1.1

Goals Against:

Arsenal (home): 0.7

QPR: (away): 1.9

Last Five:
Arsenal: DWLWW

QPR: DLLLD

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 8

QPR: -14

Match Official:
Referee:Martin Atkinson (Matches 14, R6 Y46).

Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer.Tv 1000 AM EST

UK: BBC Radio 5 1500 GMT

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!

www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3

QPR: 0

Some Final Thoughts:

I wanted to wish you all a very happy New Year.  As the new year turns please be on the look out for some changes to YouAreMyArsenal.com

Stay safe and have a great celebration. See on the flip side of 2012.

Stay Goonerish!

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