A win tonight would near enough unsure our qualification into the knock-out rounds of the Champions League, it would leave us just a point short of certain qualification with three games remaining. The possibility of using a weakened squad in those three games could not be underestimated, especially with big question marks over quite a few players fitness – it also falls at the perfect time for Aaron Ramsey who will be making his comeback within the next few weeks.
However, don’t whatever you do take the three points for granted. Shakhtar are a very good side, probably one of the best out of all the eastern block countries and are fully capable of coming to the Grove tonight and causing a shock – it looks like they will set themselves up to attack and with our defence looking as flaky as ever I’m sure you wouldn’t bet against us conceding a goal at least.
It looks like Cesc Fabregas will be making an appearance tonight and no before time, he is being eased back into things and if he was benched it would not be surprising at all given that Jack Wilshere will be suspended for the weekends game against Man City, so will probably be selected in order to make sure that Cesc doesn’t come back and have to play 90 minutes twice within a week.
Nicklas Bendtner however, is in with a shot of starting his first game of the season. Marouane Chamakh has had to shoulder the striking responsibilities for the majority of the season so far and should get a well deserved rest whilst Andrey Arshavin will probably resume his role on the left and Samir Nasri the right. The big question is, where is Carlos Vela? He appeared in a closed-doors reserve league game this afternoon and is subsequently out of tonight’s squad. Is it match practice to keep him sharp or is his patience wearing thin?
There is one player that is sure to get a massive cheer tonight, Eduardo. It is so sad the way that he left but you felt it was just going to happen, it was no surprise at all. His new coach was only yesterday saying that Eduardo is still not fully over the injury but is coming back to somewhere close to his best. He still has the talent that made him such a hit before that horrible injury but how hard must it be to get something like that out your mind on the pitch?
It was the best for both parties for him to move on, we had brought in Marouane Chamakh and that will have only restricted his match time even further, he is at a vital stage in his career now, he needs starts and we realistically couldn’t give him that. There is now a chance for the Emirates to say goodbye properly and don’t be surprised to hear his song sung loud and proud at some point.
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Is it just me, or have the last few weeks just been the same old story as previous seasons, international break injuries, dodgy performances and results… There is a really strange feeling of de-ja vu right now, and yet the football world can still throw up surprises. One thing is certain though, the tide seems to be changing and Arsenal need to get their act together and go on a winning run because Man City look very strong, Man United look as weak as I have ever seen them, especially with the news that Wayne Rooney wants out fast. Chelsea are getting on a bit and whilst they look brilliant, they also are not an unbeatable force. Liverpool are in massive trouble and maybe, slowly, the ground is starting to shift. In what direction? I have no idea. Arsenal need to watch their backs though.
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If you are a Mirror Football reader then you will have access to the all new Football Manager 2011 game which is claimed to be ‘better than ever’. The game will be full of new features such as real-time contract negotiations (eherm Mr Rooney..) and an overhauled training system. Fans of the Mirror will be able to download Football Manager in advance with Mirror Football from Thursday October 21st.
What would you change about the club? Would you promote Kieran Gibbs as first choice left back after the continued poor form of Gael Clichy..? I certainly would.
Be sure to go to the Mirror Football website and claim the free download code that will be available.
Til tomorrow folks.
Here’s to a good win tonight.
Arsenal News 24/7
2-2 tonight,if costa is playing we need help.
3 points tonight and against city would put us in superb position.
I firmly believe we can do it and think out firepower is too much for city. They struggled to cope with Blackpool and reckon we’ll score a couple or more up there.
United are on their knees and we can capitalize.
[...] Shakhtar are no mugs – Dudu’s farewell 2010 October 19 tags: Dudu’s, farewell, Mugs, Shakhtar by rich Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.Powered by WP Greet Box WordPress PluginA win tonight would near enough unsure our qualification into the knock-out rounds of the Champions League, it would leave us just a point short of certain qualification with three games remaining. The possibility of using a weakened squad in those three games could not be underestimated, especially with big question marks over quite a [...] The Goon Blog [...]
My dollars were on a convincing home win and that going to costa my bookmaker some money today.well played to all current and the former gunner last night.big performance with grit,desire,believe,and energy needed for sunday.just make sure yous heading back down to london with something.getting players back now and this bodes well for future providing they stay away from treatment rooms for quite sometime.
After lastnight,s game Shakhtar are definitely mugs not wanting to come forward so Arsenal could counter attack .It took more than 55 minutes with their substitutions to attack
and allow Arsenal some defending practice ,just like Braga and Partizan before them,must get forward to score and not be negative .
Cant believe that opening remark i mean who the fuck is costa is he as good as messi aint heard of him so he must not be.bollocks to costa what about cesc,chamakh,jack,samir,andrey,theo,rosicky,nik and co.i believe thats enough to worry any team.c.vela where are you?.Dollar do you have faith and believe in our firepower if not could you explain why?.Excuse my swearing nothing intented against you just baffled by your comment.thankyou.