If we needed something against Olympiacos next week then this fixture would doubtless see a fair bit of rotation in the Arsenal team. But we don’t need anything midweek. We’re through, we’re top of the group and our only European worry this month is progress towards a top four spot.
That doesn’t mean no changes at all. Andrey Arshavin will no doubt be hoping for a start, but this selection isn’t as complex as it might have been. A good win tomorrow could see us picking up a place so whoever gets a start tomorrow better treat the game seriously.
Two that definitely won’t feature are Diaby and Rosicky. Rosicky may be ready for the Olympiacos game apparently, but Abou Diaby will be out for ten days with a muscle problem. That after playing just half an hour or so as a sub at the weekend. Someone once joked that Alliadiere could get crocked played A Question of Sport, I’m not sure Diaby would be fit to get a start!
The poor guy has never really got a decent run in the team, despite that fact that Arsene Wenger clearly rates him. Personally I’ve been a doubter. Too many games when he seemed to go missing. But I still wish him a speedy, and complete, recovery. Can’t help thinking that we’re going to need some midfield cover for Arteta and Ramsey before Jack Wilshere is back.
I guess that there are only two real decisions for Arsene Wenger this weekend: Gervinho or Arshavin, Djourou or Koscielny? As far as covering for Sagna/Jenkinson goes, I expect we will see Laurent Koscielny this time as Djourou played the last two.
Who plays on the left up front is a bit more of a headache. Both Arshavin and Gervinho have issues. Arshavin’s form is as mixed as ever. Gervinho can’t make his mind up what to do when he has just the keeper to beat.
But what Gervinho does bring is energy and movement and is surely ahead of Arahavin at the moment. So, unless Arsene Wenger offers Arshavin a ninety minute opportunity to re-establish himself, I reckon we’ll see Gervinho.
I know, a first choice squad against Wigan. Seems strange, but don’t forget we blew points in this one last season. If Newcastle and Fulham can do their part we could be on the up, so let’s not blow points ourselves.
Expect to be watching:
_______ Szczesny _______
Kos _ Merte _ Verm _ Santos
________ Song _________
___ Arteta __ Ramsey ____
Walcott __ RVP __ Gervinho
What do you think?
