Arsenal

[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.

[Stu Monty]

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.

[RedinSweden]

I am tipping Fowler (or "Robbie Flower" as my daughter calls him) to come off the bench and score.

[Guest TK-421]

Dudek

Finnan-Hyypia-Carra-Riise

Gerrad-Momo-Xabi-Kewell

Crouch-Fowler

 

Traore and Cisse can fuck off. Houllier garlic bread shite!

[JangoSolo]

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)

[Guest TK-421]

Ark, your avatar would look good on me..

[RedinSweden]

Ark, your avatar would look good on me..

 

oh god. another nerd love-in is afoot

[JangoSolo]

oh god. another nerd love-in is afoot

Wahey!! Though I am not sure what he means "on me"....

[Kurt]

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.

[Captain]

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.

[Guest TK-421]

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.

[Guest TK-421]

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.

[Rashid]

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.

[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.

[Rashid]

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?

[JangoSolo]

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

[Salte]

Why would you rest Alonso for such a crucial game?

Simply because he looked absolutely shattered against wigan, and for the last 30 minutes hardly put a foot right. He didn't look his usual self against Charlton and Chelsea either (far from it).

[Guest TK-421]

Ok Someone wants to touch my helmet, I'm getting a bit scared now

 

 

Its so very nice and shiny ;)

[m0e]

Why would you rest Alonso for such a crucial game?

 

Cos we've got a few crucial games comong up Rash. And by his standards, he's been shit.

 

He might go Riise further up with DT behind, and Kewell/Garcia on the right?

 

And anyone but Moro upfront ,please Rafa.

[cotter]

arsenal have a clear weakness defending in the air. one of morientes or crouch is a must.

[Section_31]

arsenal have a clear weakness defending in the air. one of morientes or crouch is a must.

 

 

Thats what i'd think - but crouch is actually pretty bad in the air! And morientes? well...

 

To be honest I think there is room to get in behind the Arse back four, they're pacey but naieve and can't hold the line, much as i don't like him, i'd stick Cisse in there for a punt....

 

Traore is a walking disaster zone - I'd only have him ahead of JAR if the bung boy was a parapleigic

 

Dudek

 

Finan Carra Hyypia JAR

 

Gerrard Momo Xabi Kewell

 

Cisse Crouch

[bri]

DARE I say it but Bolton and Everton have the right approach to arsenal which is get amongst them and attack with pace. They are woefully weak at the back so the front two and midfield four should be working at penning them in their own last third forcing them into mistakes and the long ball which we can soak up.

 

Allowing Arsenal to play their one touch football through the midfield could cost us. They've been crap away from home all season.

[RedKnight]

DARE I say it but Bolton and Everton have the right approach to arsenal which is get amongst them and attack with pace. They are woefully weak at the back so the front two and midfield four should be working at penning them in their own last third forcing them into mistakes and the long ball which we can soak up.

 

Allowing Arsenal to play their one touch football through the midfield could cost us. They've been crap away from home all season.

 

Very true. Too many time they have sliced through us with their sublime passing game. Their goal against at Anfield last year was a model of one-touch football. You couldn't help but be impressed with it.

[Captain]

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 thought Crouch would be fit for Arsenal, but if he's not I guess Morientes would be next in line.

 

Garcia on the other hand is not fit as far as I know. His knee seems to be the problem.

 

Momo didn't play against Wigan, so I reckon he should be available for this game.

 

I didn't see the Wigan game, but I doubt Alonso would be unable to perform against Arsenal. If indeed he really needs a rest, I'd rather give him it against the mancs and play Didi then. That game would suit Didi better as I think the mancs will have much more of a go at us than Arsenal will.

[Captain]

arsenal have a clear weakness defending in the air. one of morientes or crouch is a must.

Imho neither Crouch nor Morientes poses much of an aerial threat. Sad but true.

 

We might be able to exploit this on set pieces though, perhaps Sami is worth a punt again? However, our delivery on set pieces leaves a lot to be desired.