Its been a slow week for us, one of the slowest non-international break weeks Ive ever known I think.

There is some good news though, John Cross reports that Cesc Fabregas will be fit for the game at home to West Ham this weekend, its a real boost because our recent home record against West Ham is pretty dire to be honest, they were the first team to beat us in the League at the Grove so it is paramount we have as strong a team as possible to get the three points. I have a feeling this weekend is going to have a big say on the destination of the title this season – Chelsea are away at Blackburn and United host Liverpool – at least one of the two will drop points, I can feel it.

Alex Song has underlined the importance of winning something this season, the players will know that the fans are starting to get impatient and another season of settling for a Champions League spot will not please the masses. Mr Billong said:

“And now we are in a strong position and we will fight in the games that are left.

“The mentality has changed for us. Everyone has in their head that we need to do something this year. It is very important for us.”

I don’t know what it is but something has changed in the teams approach recently, they really want this title and at the moment it seems they are going to let nothing get in their way, no broken legs, no eye-poking idiots and fake tanned ponces – there’s an attitude about the side. This point has to be made though: there is still a very real chance the club could end up pot-less again at the end of the season, there is such a thin line between success and failure. Another year of being second or third best won’t cut it with some people anymore. I think the players and the manager realised that. Remember – Arsene promised silverware this season.

This interview with Gael Clichy is worth a read at Goal.com

So the draw for the next round of the Champions League is only a matter of hours away now (it takes place Friday morning). Quite simply, it will decide our fate in the competition. Of the teams that are through I would take a tie against Bordeaux or CSKA Moscow, I feel we need to avoid Barca at all costs even though I wouldn’t be disappointed to be drawn against then because to win the competition we will probably have to beat at least one of Barca or United, maybe even both. A few people have mentioned Bayern Munich as potential opponents and whilst it wouldn’t be the hardest draw I can’t help but think back to when they knocked us out a few years ago, ideally we would avoid them.

Either way, the draw will not be easy, CSKA would be tough away from home even though Russia is slightly warmer at this time of year – think of the effect of that traveling though, a post-euro hangover would be a big possibility. Therefore, Bordeaux would suit me just fine. Lyon and Inter Milan are potential Banana skins but the two team I fear are Barcelona and United – hopefully they play each other. Lets wait and see.

Last night there were some interesting pictures of the supposed home kit for next season, have a look, its beautiful:

Thanks to Gunnerblog.com for the picture.

Something tells me this isn’t going to be the kit though, if it was I would be down the club shop pronto. I guess we will have to wait til May sort of time to get a glimpse.

And that’s about it really, I’m not going to be around much in the next few days due to yet more work commitments. There is a chance I may not get to see a Saturday game for the rest of the season and its doing my head in, thank God the last day of the season is a Sunday…

There should be some team news emerging at some point with Fabregas and Rosicky expected to be fit and Gallas is hoping to return the week after…fingers crossed there.

Til tomorrow.