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Kieran Gibbs faces a fitness test after having a knock in training but hopefully he will be ready to resume his position at left back. With Coquelin out injured, Gibbs would be important to the shape of the side. Vermaelen at left back unbalances the team and with the pace of Adebayor, Bale and Lennon in the opposition side, we could do with two quick center backs playing together. I think Vermaelen and Koscielny would be a very good pairing, especially at home where we are on the
Gervinho is back in the squad which is good news, hopefully he can put his penalty kick miss behind him and bounce back in style this afternoon. I am expecting a few changes from Arsene, some enforced and some rotation. Arsene has said previously that he doesn't like to play the same players three times in a week although he did do just that over the Christmas schedule
Arsene will want the players free from fear, to play with a focused freedom. We will have to have some big performances all over the pitch and not just from Robin van Persie who according to Robinho will be tactically nullified. If the rest of the team play well then van Persie will automatically do well such is the speed and interchangeability of our football when we are at
If Arsenal's Vermaelen does move to the center then I would actually expect Sagna to fill in at left back rather than his usual right back spot. Arsene tends to put the more experienced player out of position rather than a youngster, even if it means making more defensive
Coquelin is one player I've been impressed with, he has done his job silently and steadily. He has shown he is a hard worker which is why the game today shouldn't be a big deal for him. Arteta partnering him in the middle of the pack should help him stand firm. A midfield 3 of Coquelin - Arteta - Rosicky should be the way forward but as we all know our thinking isn't Wenger's thinking and he would always come out with what he deems fit enough to make a huge statement and I fully
With every game being so important, it will be difficult for Arsene to rotate too many of his best players but at the same time overplaying them can lead to injury. A classic case of damned if you do, damned if you don't. Arsene would get blamed if we drop points due to not starting with Vermaelen but then blamed if Vermaelen picks up an injury. Who would be a football manager? Well I guess the
I want Bacary Sagna back in the team by Bolton at the very latest but I really would like the youngster Nico Yennaris to be given a chance, especially after his very good 45 minutes in the second half against Manchester United. The former striker has yet to put a foot wrong since making the step up to the first team. I would love to see the youngster start today, his pace could be vital
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