It's the day of the North London Derby and things have almost got to the boiling point between Arsenal and Tottenham fans. It's usually the case, this time around, however, the atmosphere is infectious even for me. I've already stated several times that I feel no particular hatred towards Spurs, as I wasn't brought up in London, nonetheless I'm too excited about this game and feel there really is something more, than the three points, at stake.
That's what Arsene said during his yesterday's press-conference. However, all the hype surrounding the game aside, the Frenchman also gave the update on the state of our squad. With this matter settled a guess-who'll-play game is in order.
The back five
I expect Szczesny to be reinstated between the sticks. Firstly, because Ospina didn't have the best of games on Tuesday. Secondly, because Szczesny was brilliant against Villa. And thirdly, the Pole understands the concept of a derby much better, than the Colombian.
The defense picks itself. Mertesacker, Koscielny and Gibbs should all be available after their midweek breather, while Chambers will deputise at right-back once more.
The situation with the young Englishman is a bit worrisome, truth be told. I think he played in every game since joining, but I can't see him being cut a break before Debuchy's return. I hope Bellerin will be able to slot in here and there, but it'll definitely be Chambers for all the important matches.
Moreover, Calum is on three yellows already. Two more mean an automatic one-game suspension. Arsene is also concerned with this state of affairs:
“The yellow cards worry me a little bit because he has three yellows and after five you miss a game. But that's down to the fact that he's committed and lacks sometimes experience in the challenge.”
Apart from that, we don't have any fresh ins or outs, so I expect Bellerin to make the bench with possibly Flamini alongside the Spaniard, just in case we need an emergency left-back. Hope it won't come to that.
The midfield
A real selection headache for Arsene. EVERYONE is available. I mean it. Flamini returns after sitting the last three games out and even Diaby is back.
I've seen suggestions on Twitter about how a fully fit Diaby should be picked ahead of Arteta and Flamini and they do merit a point. Especially after AW himself conceded he's tempted to make a DM out of his compatriot:
"I try to transform Diaby into a defensive midfielder. Facing the game will be easier, then playing back to goal with the injures he had. "
However, Diaby is very obviously far from being fully fit right now, so even an appearance from the bench today for him is unlikely. We'll see whether it's such a res judicata in the future.
So it's either Arteta or Flamini shielding the back four and I'm not so sure the Spaniard will get the nod:
"Mathieu Flamini might be available again. He had a dead leg. I feel he should be back.”
Well, I'd still like to see Ramsey at DM, but it is what it is. And by that I mean either Flamini or Arteta.
Further up the pitch, it's clear we have to continue with Ozil under the striker. He's had his best game in quite some time there last week, so it'd only sensible to keep the German there.
Main question is this: who is the starter now: Wilshere or Ramsey? Right now it looks like Arsene trusts the Welshman more, though his words about Jack becoming a permanent feature of this side in case the Englishman stays fit should not be forgotten in a hurry. It'll probably be Ramsey, as he's fresher, but Jack is bound to make an appearance at some point.
The attack
Welbeck should start up top. He's another player with a top-notch performance against Villa and also had a nice long rest because he's cup-tied, so another start for the Englishman won't be a surprise.
The flanks present an interesting dilemma. We have, of course, Alexis Sanchez, who should, in my opinion, start:
“Alexis and Jack played 90 minutes the other day and they're usually on second-day recovery. But today Alexis really wanted to train and people had to tell him to take it easy."
Love this guy. Fresh from completing 90 minutes and he's chomping at the bit. Start him, Arsene, Sp*rs defenders will have nightmares long after this game.
The other flank is either Cazorla or Oxlade. Both haven't featured midweek and both give a lot to this side. They, of course, bring different qualities and, as the Ox is a bit too similar to Alexis, I don't think are likely to start together. However, both are also keen to track back and help fullbacks, so that's another thing to consider.
The verdict
Frankly, I'd be surprised if North London isn't red till at least the next derby. Tottenham doesn't look that cohesive or dangerous, and we have quite a lot of players to exploit their weaknesses. Our defense worries me in that simple sense that we only have four senior players, but these are in no way vulnerable or inferior. I'd probably be a bit more assured with Debuchy in the squad, but Chambers may prove even more useful in some regards.
That's it. I think we all can expect a win today, given the quality of our players, the fact that Tottenham is sh*t, the importance of that game, the fact that Tottenham is sh*t and the boosting effect a win can have on the squad. Did I mention the fact that Tottenham is sh*t?
Here's for a pummeling later today and I'll get back to you with a review on Sunday or Monday.
Until then and c'mon you Gunners
Follow me on Twitter (@AlexBaguzin)
That's what Arsene said during his yesterday's press-conference. However, all the hype surrounding the game aside, the Frenchman also gave the update on the state of our squad. With this matter settled a guess-who'll-play game is in order.
The back five
I expect Szczesny to be reinstated between the sticks. Firstly, because Ospina didn't have the best of games on Tuesday. Secondly, because Szczesny was brilliant against Villa. And thirdly, the Pole understands the concept of a derby much better, than the Colombian.
The defense picks itself. Mertesacker, Koscielny and Gibbs should all be available after their midweek breather, while Chambers will deputise at right-back once more.
The situation with the young Englishman is a bit worrisome, truth be told. I think he played in every game since joining, but I can't see him being cut a break before Debuchy's return. I hope Bellerin will be able to slot in here and there, but it'll definitely be Chambers for all the important matches.
Moreover, Calum is on three yellows already. Two more mean an automatic one-game suspension. Arsene is also concerned with this state of affairs:
“The yellow cards worry me a little bit because he has three yellows and after five you miss a game. But that's down to the fact that he's committed and lacks sometimes experience in the challenge.”
Apart from that, we don't have any fresh ins or outs, so I expect Bellerin to make the bench with possibly Flamini alongside the Spaniard, just in case we need an emergency left-back. Hope it won't come to that.
The midfield
A real selection headache for Arsene. EVERYONE is available. I mean it. Flamini returns after sitting the last three games out and even Diaby is back.
I've seen suggestions on Twitter about how a fully fit Diaby should be picked ahead of Arteta and Flamini and they do merit a point. Especially after AW himself conceded he's tempted to make a DM out of his compatriot:
"I try to transform Diaby into a defensive midfielder. Facing the game will be easier, then playing back to goal with the injures he had. "
However, Diaby is very obviously far from being fully fit right now, so even an appearance from the bench today for him is unlikely. We'll see whether it's such a res judicata in the future.
So it's either Arteta or Flamini shielding the back four and I'm not so sure the Spaniard will get the nod:
"Mathieu Flamini might be available again. He had a dead leg. I feel he should be back.”
Well, I'd still like to see Ramsey at DM, but it is what it is. And by that I mean either Flamini or Arteta.
Further up the pitch, it's clear we have to continue with Ozil under the striker. He's had his best game in quite some time there last week, so it'd only sensible to keep the German there.
Main question is this: who is the starter now: Wilshere or Ramsey? Right now it looks like Arsene trusts the Welshman more, though his words about Jack becoming a permanent feature of this side in case the Englishman stays fit should not be forgotten in a hurry. It'll probably be Ramsey, as he's fresher, but Jack is bound to make an appearance at some point.
The attack
Welbeck should start up top. He's another player with a top-notch performance against Villa and also had a nice long rest because he's cup-tied, so another start for the Englishman won't be a surprise.
The flanks present an interesting dilemma. We have, of course, Alexis Sanchez, who should, in my opinion, start:
“Alexis and Jack played 90 minutes the other day and they're usually on second-day recovery. But today Alexis really wanted to train and people had to tell him to take it easy."
Love this guy. Fresh from completing 90 minutes and he's chomping at the bit. Start him, Arsene, Sp*rs defenders will have nightmares long after this game.
The other flank is either Cazorla or Oxlade. Both haven't featured midweek and both give a lot to this side. They, of course, bring different qualities and, as the Ox is a bit too similar to Alexis, I don't think are likely to start together. However, both are also keen to track back and help fullbacks, so that's another thing to consider.
The verdict
Frankly, I'd be surprised if North London isn't red till at least the next derby. Tottenham doesn't look that cohesive or dangerous, and we have quite a lot of players to exploit their weaknesses. Our defense worries me in that simple sense that we only have four senior players, but these are in no way vulnerable or inferior. I'd probably be a bit more assured with Debuchy in the squad, but Chambers may prove even more useful in some regards.
That's it. I think we all can expect a win today, given the quality of our players, the fact that Tottenham is sh*t, the importance of that game, the fact that Tottenham is sh*t and the boosting effect a win can have on the squad. Did I mention the fact that Tottenham is sh*t?
Here's for a pummeling later today and I'll get back to you with a review on Sunday or Monday.
Until then and c'mon you Gunners
Follow me on Twitter (@AlexBaguzin)