Morning everyone.
It's been a rather quiet few days, but with another bout of Premier League games coming up news came flooding back.
Regarding team news, there isn't much. Everyone who played against Newcastle is available, no one is coming back. Oxlade is being rested with a groin inflammation, Wilshere has only just joined the main group. Both face a race against time to make it to the final of the FA Cup. Gibbs was described as "very, very close" to full fitness, but short for tomorrow game, while Gnabry seems forgotten altogether.
The real worry we have, however, is Sagna. Apparently, the Frenchman has injured his knee in training and is a 50/50 for Sunday. As it's very likely Sagna's last home game in an Arsenal shirt, I do hope he makes it. If not, there'll still be the game at Wembley, though it's not exactly the same thing.
Pressed on the matter of a contract for our right-back, Wenger stated it's now down to Bac to decide and that's saying a lot. Earlier there was the frustration from the fans, who thought it was the Club penny-pinching again, but at this point it's safe to assume the Frenchman just doesn't want to renew his contract. There were several (improved) offers from Arsenal, all of them were turned down, so we should accept that sometimes it's not about the money and move on. And find a suitable replacement in the summer.
Back to team selection and I don't think we are likely to see a much-changed side, even if Everton drops points today. It is our last home game and everyone wants a win, regardless of whether our table goals are accomplished or not. The cup game is two weeks away, giving the players plenty of time to recover and the manager will be able to rotate in the last league game, if he so chooses. No one will begrudge him a couple of changes in an away game, should by that time we secure the 4th spot.
But not tomorrow. Field the strongest side, get the win, entertain the crowd, do a lap of honour (with Sagna in the lead), then go relax. That's not to say we should lose to Norwich in a week, but that game is definitely less important.
From West Brom's point of view, they are four points above the relegation zone with a game in hand and have almost assured Premier league football next season. Realistically, the Magpies are safe, mathematically not and as such they may put up a fight.
Can we be robbed of points? We probably can, so no lapse of concentration should be allowed. Just treat it like another league game.
In other news, there's been a lot of talk about transfers, Arsene had said we'll be busy, but, because of the World Cup, things will probably start happening at around mid-June. Considering how much needs to be done, I'd rather we started earlier. Straighten out the paperwork in June and bring everyone in right after the World Cup. There's more than thirty days between now and the tournament, plenty of time to add to our squad.
Among everyone who's been linked with us, Fabregas was mentioned. It's hard to tell, whether there's any truth to that, but if the Spaniard is for sale, I'd love to see him return. Yes, we have plenty of quality in midfield, but as I've said before, Rosicky and Arteta aren't getting any younger, same goes for Kallstrom. Of course, the Swede may (and probably will) leave at the end of his spell, but that also won't do us any good, at least number-wise.
And then, just imagine a trio of Fabregas, Ramsey and Ozil in the middle of the park. Glorious.
Anyway, I think I'm getting carried away. There'll be time enough to discuss all the transfer rumours between mid-May and September 1st. Right now, there's still work on the pitch to do.
Starting tomorrow