Cafe Sports
Asda
Next
GAME
Next
Sponsored Links
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 10:38 AM
Captain's Avatar
On the road to Rome
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Penrhyndeudraeth
Posts: 9,000
vCash: 100
Captain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud of
Arsenal
After a good three points against Wigan it's time for what could easily be a third place decider. If we beat them tomorrow, I think we'll have that third spot in our pocket. It's still a long way to go of course, but that's the way I see it.

As for the team, it's hard to guess as the important games are coming thick and fast. One thing is for sure, Rafa will make changes. What they will be I don't know, but here's the team I'd pick:

Dudek
Finnan-Carra-Hyypiä-Traoré
Gerrard-Sissoko-Alonso-Kewell
Crouch-Cissé

Riise is out both because he cost us a goal against Chelsea, but most of all because he struggled against Wigan. We will be up against Henry and van Persie who both are quick, and I prefer Djimi for this game. Henry likes to drift out and take on the full backs. I feel Finnan and Carra will probably do ok against him, I just don't fancy Sami as the 2nd defender behind Riise. Djimi is much more difficult for Henry to get past.

I want Cissé to play mostly not to allow Arsenal to play with their back four high up the pitch. Fowler probably isn't fit enough to start two games in such a short space of time.

Arsenal struggle at the back at the moment, and their away form is poor. That means we have to have a real go at them, and I expect nothing less from Benítez at Anfield.

This could easily be Dudek's last game at Anfield, and of course his first since Istanbul. I really hope he has a good game and is able to enjoy a great reception from the crowd.

I think we'll win this one.
__________________
I came here for the football, not the beach. – Fernando Torres
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 10:41 AM
Stu Monty's Avatar
Ya Basta!
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Behind enemy lines; Chorlton
Posts: 24,154
vCash: 394
Stu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the ProclaimersStu Monty rules harder than the Proclaimers
Re: Arsenal
Originally Posted by Captain
After a good three points against Wigan it's time for what could easily be a third place decider. If we beat them tomorrow, I think we'll have that third spot in our pocket. It's still a long way to go of course, but that's the way I see it.

As for the team, it's hard to guess as the important games are coming thick and fast. One thing is for sure, Rafa will make changes. What they will be I don't know, but here's the team I'd pick:

Dudek
Finnan-Carra-Hyypiä-Traoré
Gerrard-Sissoko-Alonso-Kewell
Crouch-Cissé

Riise is out both because he cost us a goal against Chelsea, but most of all because he struggled against Wigan. We will be up against Henry and van Persie who both are quick, and I prefer Djimi for this game. Henry likes to drift out and take on the full backs. I feel Finnan and Carra will probably do ok against him, I just don't fancy Sami as the 2nd defender behind Riise. Djimi is much more difficult for Henry to get past.

I want Cissé to play mostly not to allow Arsenal to play with their back four high up the pitch. Fowler probably isn't fit enough to start two games in such a short space of time.

Arsenal struggle at the back at the moment, and their away form is poor. That means we have to have a real go at them, and I expect nothing less from Benítez at Anfield.

This could easily be Dudek's last game at Anfield, and of course his first since Istanbul. I really hope he has a good game and is able to enjoy a great reception from the crowd.

I think we'll win this one.
He drifts out to the left most of the time though Captain so that would mean it'll be Finnan's problem won't it?

Just a small point like.
__________________
"Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire"

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 10:44 AM
RedinSweden's Avatar
Son of Uncle_Meat
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Location Location
Posts: 22,025
vCash: 40
Blog Entries: 2
RedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the Proclaimers
Re: Arsenal
I am tipping Fowler (or "Robbie Flower" as my daughter calls him) to come off the bench and score.
__________________
Originally Posted by Bill Shankly
At a football club, there’s a holy trinity – the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don’t come into it. They are only there to sign the cheques
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 10:48 AM
TK421's Avatar
Mr F. 'Django' Bustamente
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Rotterdam
Posts: 13,077
vCash: 2112
Blog Entries: 1
TK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the Proclaimers
Re: Arsenal
Dudek
Finnan-Hyypia-Carra-Riise
Gerrad-Momo-Xabi-Kewell
Crouch-Fowler

Traore and Cisse can fuck off. Houllier garlic bread shite!
__________________
And I kid you not!
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 10:49 AM
JangoSolo's Avatar
JangoSolo √ JangoSolo is offline
The Doctor
  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: The Tardis
Posts: 2,059
vCash: 500
JangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud of
Re: Arsenal
I think we'll lose this game, it should be an easy game for us, but I just feel it won't be.

(nice bit of reverse psychology there)
__________________
"Daleks: Aim for the eye stalk. Sontarans: Back of the neck. Vashta Nerada...run. Just run."

Mario Kart Wii: 0216-0938-1722 | XBOX GamerTag: JangoSolo
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 10:52 AM
TK421's Avatar
Mr F. 'Django' Bustamente
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Rotterdam
Posts: 13,077
vCash: 2112
Blog Entries: 1
TK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the Proclaimers
Re: Arsenal
Ark, your avatar would look good on me..
__________________
And I kid you not!
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 10:55 AM
RedinSweden's Avatar
Son of Uncle_Meat
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Location Location
Posts: 22,025
vCash: 40
Blog Entries: 2
RedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the ProclaimersRedinSweden rules harder than the Proclaimers
Re: Arsenal
Originally Posted by TK421
Ark, your avatar would look good on me..
oh god. another nerd love-in is afoot
__________________
Originally Posted by Bill Shankly
At a football club, there’s a holy trinity – the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don’t come into it. They are only there to sign the cheques
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 11:02 AM
JangoSolo's Avatar
JangoSolo √ JangoSolo is offline
The Doctor
  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: The Tardis
Posts: 2,059
vCash: 500
JangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud of
Re: Arsenal
Originally Posted by RedinSweden
oh god. another nerd love-in is afoot
Wahey!! Though I am not sure what he means "on me"....
__________________
"Daleks: Aim for the eye stalk. Sontarans: Back of the neck. Vashta Nerada...run. Just run."

Mario Kart Wii: 0216-0938-1722 | XBOX GamerTag: JangoSolo
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 11:03 AM
Kurt's Avatar
Kurt √ Kurt is offline
Another prick on parole
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,656
vCash: 500
Kurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the ProclaimersKurt rules harder than the Proclaimers
Re: Arsenal
Originally Posted by TK421
Dudek
Finnan-Hyypia-Carra-Riise
Gerrad-Momo-Xabi-Kewell
Crouch-Fowler
Is Crouch fit again?... I think Momo needs a break, so i would give Didi another game. I would also rest Xabi if Garcia is fit, playing Gerrard in the middle. Xabi has looked exhausted lately, and has performed under usual standard. We need a fit Xabi against Utd at the weekend.
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 11:04 AM
Captain's Avatar
On the road to Rome
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Penrhyndeudraeth
Posts: 9,000
vCash: 100
Captain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud ofCaptain has much to be proud of
Re: Arsenal
Originally Posted by Stu Monty
He drifts out to the left most of the time though Captain so that would mean it'll be Finnan's problem won't it?

Just a small point like.
Most of the time, yes. Like I said, I think Finnan and Carra will handle him ok. It could well be that Rafa goes with Riise, but I would play Djimi as he's very good one on one against players with pace and would be much less reliant on Sami as the 2nd defender than Riise. This even more so if we dominate the match, which I expect us to do.

I would not be surprised to see Henry target the Riise/Hyypiä combination if he has that choice. It would tactically lessen his ability to score himself (as he's right footed), but enhance his ability to play in Van Persie and attacking midfielders.

Also, with us going for a win there is a good chance Arsenal will get a few counter attacks with Van Persie also having a bit of pace, even though he's not as quick as Henry. All the more reason to have pace at the back.
__________________
I came here for the football, not the beach. – Fernando Torres
Reply With Quote
  #11 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 11:07 AM
TK421's Avatar
Mr F. 'Django' Bustamente
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Rotterdam
Posts: 13,077
vCash: 2112
Blog Entries: 1
TK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the Proclaimers
Re: Arsenal
Originally Posted by Kurt
Is Crouch fit again?... I think Momo needs a break, so i would give Didi another game. I would also rest Xabi if Garcia is fit, playing Gerrard in the middle. Xabi has looked exhausted lately, and has performed under usual standard. We need a fit Xabi against Utd at the weekend.
I take your point about Didi. We don't want to rotate or piss about too much though 'cos Arsenal are a decent side.
__________________
And I kid you not!
Reply With Quote
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 11:09 AM
TK421's Avatar
Mr F. 'Django' Bustamente
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Rotterdam
Posts: 13,077
vCash: 2112
Blog Entries: 1
TK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the ProclaimersTK421 rules harder than the Proclaimers
Re: Arsenal
Originally Posted by arkenterprise
Wahey!! Though I am not sure what he means "on me"....
Give us a lend of it for the day.

I swear on Rafa's life I'll hand it back.
__________________
And I kid you not!
Reply With Quote
  #13 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 11:10 AM
Rashid's Avatar
BANNED
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: unknown
Posts: 24,735
vCash: 500
Rashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud of
Re: Arsenal
I think Luis Garcia will be key for this game, his trickery and ability to get crucial goals is a must in a home game such as this, I'd play him behind Robbie for this one.
Reply With Quote
  #14 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 11:11 AM
Forumite
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 927
vCash: 500
Salte is likedSalte is liked
Re: Arsenal
I'd rest Hyypia and Alonso.
--------Dudek
Finnan-Carra-Agger-Riise
Cisse-Gerrard-Sissoko-Kewell
----Crouch-Fowler(if fit enough)/Morientes

Their defence is a shamles and i don't think they have a single first team recognized full back fit, so if we have a real go at them (with Kewell and Cisse on the wings) i'm sure they'll crack wide open.
Reply With Quote
  #15 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 11:12 AM
Rashid's Avatar
BANNED
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: unknown
Posts: 24,735
vCash: 500
Rashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud ofRashid has much to be proud of
Re: Arsenal
Originally Posted by Salte
I'd rest Hyypia and Alonso.
--------Dudek
Finnan-Carra-Agger-Riise
Cisse-Gerrard-Sissoko-Kewell
----Crouch-Fowler(if fit enough)/Morientes

Their defence is a shamles and i don't think they have a single first team recognized full back fit, so if we have a real go at them (with Kewell and Cisse on the wings) i'm sure they'll crack wide open.
Why would you rest Alonso for such a crucial game?
Reply With Quote
  #16 (permalink)  
Old 13th February 2006, 11:14 AM
JangoSolo's Avatar
JangoSolo √ JangoSolo is offline
The Doctor
  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: The Tardis
Posts: 2,059
vCash: 500
JangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud ofJangoSolo has much to be proud of
Re: Arsenal
Originally Posted by TK421
Give us a lend of it for the day.

I swear on Rafa's life I'll hand it back.
Ok Someone wants to touch my helmet, I'm getting a bit scared now

Back to Footy - I'd stick with JAR, at least he's had a run in the side and has better awareness then Djimi
__________________
"Daleks: Aim for the eye stalk. Sontarans: Back of the neck. Vashta Nerada...run. Just run."

Mario Kart Wii: 0216-0938-1722 | XBOX GamerTag: JangoSolo
Reply With Quote
  #17 (permalink)