Good evening.
It's Burnley at home tomorrow and while the manager is wary of the threat (*cough*) Sean Dyche's side poses, this game looks a bit of a breather still. Burnley currently occupy the last position in the league and are yet to win a single game. That's not to say we only have to turn up to take the three points (Blackburn anyone?), but it's not like we are playing City or Chelsea either.
So I think a bit of rotation won't hurt. Quite a lot of players need practise in order to be sharp when called upon, so these should be given a chance, in my view.
There are question marks over some of our players, Gibbs and Wilshere in particular. Kieran is a 50/50 with a slight hip injury, while Jack has sustained some minor knock on his knee in training and may miss both the tomorrow's game and the return fixture against Anderlecht. Walcott also doesn't seem ready to start the game:
In a brighter piece of news, Giroud is "miles ahead of schedule" in his recovery (see the link above):
Welbeck has done a very good job in the Frenchman's absence, but there are some aspects to Ollie's play Welbz couldn't emulate. I'm mostly talking about how Giroud is better at throwing his weight about, winning aerial duels and serving as a springboard for our attacks. However, Welbeck is definitely better with the ball at his feet and he's also a much, much better runner than the Frenchman. It'll be very interesting to see what happens when Giroud returns. We may even see the 4-4-2 Wenger talked about earlier, with both Welbeck and Giroud featuring at the same time.
Right, this was supposed to be a preview. So here goes.
The back five
It's Szczesny in goal, as usual, but what defenders will shield our goalie?
For me it should be Bellerin - Mertesacker - Chambers - Monreal. Even if fit, Gibbs should be rested, we don't want to aggravate his injury. With all due respect to Burnley, it's one of those occasions where playing both Bellerin and Chambers doesn't look much of a risk. The young Spaniard had a good game against Hull and we are going to need him anyway in the coming weeks, so providing Hector with the much-needed experience may stand him in good stead. Debuchy and Kos aren't due to return for another three weeks at least, no point in risking Gibbs when the situation doesn't call for it.
The midfield
With Jack most likely out, I fully expect Ramsey to be reintroduced to the side. The Welshman is over his injury and, as he hasn't hit the heights of the last year, he needs to play to find his form again.
I wouldn't be against the idea of Aaron playing a bit deeper, though, and helping Arteta out. As you may remember, Ramsey's dramatic upturn in form began during the second half of 2012-2013 campaign, when he formed a rock-solid partnership with Arteta and helped us secure the fourth place. We may want to revisit this situation once more, especially since Aaron's attacking verve has dwindled down for now.
However, I do not exclude Flamini slotting in for either Arteta or Ramsey, most likely the former. Though I'm not at all convinced in Flamini's usefulness, the Frenchman was included in last week's symbolic best XI, which means he's not that bad either. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
Ahead of a Ramsey-Arteta or Ramsey-Flamini duo I'd play Sanchez. And, after our game against Sunderland, I think few will disagree. Of course, the Chilean is far from being a conventional number 10, one like Ozil, but his restless energy and the ability to make things happen may be of more use to us right now. With Cazorla out of shape, Rosicky not playing a lot and Wilshere being unavailable for now, playing Sanchez under the striker may prove to be a masterstroke from Arsene. If you want to read more on the subject of Alexis in this new role, check out Tim Stillman's column. A very good read.
The attack
Is it time to cut Welbeck a break? I think it is, but, once again, Arsene may have different thoughts. If Daniel can take three games inside the next week, then he'll start tomorrow. If not, I think we should keep him wrapped in cotton wool for much harder games against Anderlecht and Swansea.
What options do we have if Welbz is rested? As I'm quite sure we'll see Sanchez under the striker, not leading the line, that leaves us with two possible options: Podolski and Campbell. Oh no, three: Sanogo. As the Frenchman hasn't featured for us since August 31st (I don't think it's a coincidence), he may get some minutes tomorrow. The official version is that Yaya had a hamstring injury, but I tend to think he was just taken out of the firing line by Wenger. Now that he has miraculously resurfaced, he may start tomorrow. I won't be too surprised if that happens.
Still, I'd prefer Campbell or Podolski. In that order. The German is more effective on the flank (and he may well play there tomorrow), while Campbell can be quite a good centre-forward. He's adept at holding up the play, can beat defenders when facing the goal and is very quick. Not quite Welbeck-quick, but still. I'd like to see the Costa-Rican given a chance.
On the flanks I fully expect Cazorla and Oxlade to continue, however, I may be wrong on both counts, especially if Welbeck starts up top. This game is a chance for some R&R for our key players and Cazorla, at the very least, is a key player. So Poldi or Campbell popping up on the flanks won't really surprise me.
The verdict
We need not only a win, but a strong performance to give our confidence a further boost. With the players we have I'm more than sure we can get both and start a very important week with a bang.
So let's do this. C'mon you Gunners.
And I'll be back with on Sunday with a review.
Until then
Follow me on Twitter (@AlexBaguzin). And don't forget you can subscribe via e-mail using the form on the right-hand side
It's Burnley at home tomorrow and while the manager is wary of the threat (*cough*) Sean Dyche's side poses, this game looks a bit of a breather still. Burnley currently occupy the last position in the league and are yet to win a single game. That's not to say we only have to turn up to take the three points (Blackburn anyone?), but it's not like we are playing City or Chelsea either.
So I think a bit of rotation won't hurt. Quite a lot of players need practise in order to be sharp when called upon, so these should be given a chance, in my view.
There are question marks over some of our players, Gibbs and Wilshere in particular. Kieran is a 50/50 with a slight hip injury, while Jack has sustained some minor knock on his knee in training and may miss both the tomorrow's game and the return fixture against Anderlecht. Walcott also doesn't seem ready to start the game:
"He’s fit. He lacks competition. Physically he lacks two things: contact in the Premier League and competition. But fitness wise there is no problem at all."If it was up to me, all three Englishmen would only be used from the bench, should they all be deemed fit to make the squad, of course. With Wilshere and Gibbs it's obvious: better short-term pain and the consequent long-term gain than vice versa. With Walcott, it's been a while since he's back, so giving him more than 15-20 minutes against not the strongest of sides may not be a bad idea, but this decision is completely up to the manager, as he's much better informed than I am. If Walcott needs to be eased back into action a while longer, so be it. Theo's been out for too long to risk him in any way.
In a brighter piece of news, Giroud is "miles ahead of schedule" in his recovery (see the link above):
"He is doing very well. He's three weeks ahead of schedule and I think he will join in normal training after the international break."Which is really good to hear. Personally, I've missed the Frenchman more than I like to admit. His neat flicks, his impeccable haircut, the anguished look to the skies after a miss. Just before Ollie got injured I've written a piece on him, explaining just why I think he's so important. I stand by what I said.
Welbeck has done a very good job in the Frenchman's absence, but there are some aspects to Ollie's play Welbz couldn't emulate. I'm mostly talking about how Giroud is better at throwing his weight about, winning aerial duels and serving as a springboard for our attacks. However, Welbeck is definitely better with the ball at his feet and he's also a much, much better runner than the Frenchman. It'll be very interesting to see what happens when Giroud returns. We may even see the 4-4-2 Wenger talked about earlier, with both Welbeck and Giroud featuring at the same time.
Right, this was supposed to be a preview. So here goes.
The back five
It's Szczesny in goal, as usual, but what defenders will shield our goalie?
For me it should be Bellerin - Mertesacker - Chambers - Monreal. Even if fit, Gibbs should be rested, we don't want to aggravate his injury. With all due respect to Burnley, it's one of those occasions where playing both Bellerin and Chambers doesn't look much of a risk. The young Spaniard had a good game against Hull and we are going to need him anyway in the coming weeks, so providing Hector with the much-needed experience may stand him in good stead. Debuchy and Kos aren't due to return for another three weeks at least, no point in risking Gibbs when the situation doesn't call for it.
The midfield
With Jack most likely out, I fully expect Ramsey to be reintroduced to the side. The Welshman is over his injury and, as he hasn't hit the heights of the last year, he needs to play to find his form again.
I wouldn't be against the idea of Aaron playing a bit deeper, though, and helping Arteta out. As you may remember, Ramsey's dramatic upturn in form began during the second half of 2012-2013 campaign, when he formed a rock-solid partnership with Arteta and helped us secure the fourth place. We may want to revisit this situation once more, especially since Aaron's attacking verve has dwindled down for now.
However, I do not exclude Flamini slotting in for either Arteta or Ramsey, most likely the former. Though I'm not at all convinced in Flamini's usefulness, the Frenchman was included in last week's symbolic best XI, which means he's not that bad either. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
Ahead of a Ramsey-Arteta or Ramsey-Flamini duo I'd play Sanchez. And, after our game against Sunderland, I think few will disagree. Of course, the Chilean is far from being a conventional number 10, one like Ozil, but his restless energy and the ability to make things happen may be of more use to us right now. With Cazorla out of shape, Rosicky not playing a lot and Wilshere being unavailable for now, playing Sanchez under the striker may prove to be a masterstroke from Arsene. If you want to read more on the subject of Alexis in this new role, check out Tim Stillman's column. A very good read.
The attack
Is it time to cut Welbeck a break? I think it is, but, once again, Arsene may have different thoughts. If Daniel can take three games inside the next week, then he'll start tomorrow. If not, I think we should keep him wrapped in cotton wool for much harder games against Anderlecht and Swansea.
What options do we have if Welbz is rested? As I'm quite sure we'll see Sanchez under the striker, not leading the line, that leaves us with two possible options: Podolski and Campbell. Oh no, three: Sanogo. As the Frenchman hasn't featured for us since August 31st (I don't think it's a coincidence), he may get some minutes tomorrow. The official version is that Yaya had a hamstring injury, but I tend to think he was just taken out of the firing line by Wenger. Now that he has miraculously resurfaced, he may start tomorrow. I won't be too surprised if that happens.
Still, I'd prefer Campbell or Podolski. In that order. The German is more effective on the flank (and he may well play there tomorrow), while Campbell can be quite a good centre-forward. He's adept at holding up the play, can beat defenders when facing the goal and is very quick. Not quite Welbeck-quick, but still. I'd like to see the Costa-Rican given a chance.
On the flanks I fully expect Cazorla and Oxlade to continue, however, I may be wrong on both counts, especially if Welbeck starts up top. This game is a chance for some R&R for our key players and Cazorla, at the very least, is a key player. So Poldi or Campbell popping up on the flanks won't really surprise me.
The verdict
We need not only a win, but a strong performance to give our confidence a further boost. With the players we have I'm more than sure we can get both and start a very important week with a bang.
So let's do this. C'mon you Gunners.
And I'll be back with on Sunday with a review.
Until then
Follow me on Twitter (@AlexBaguzin). And don't forget you can subscribe via e-mail using the form on the right-hand side