Nine Jimmy Rimmers – Arsenal and Football

Yann M’Vila
A lot of media in both the UK and France seem convinced that a deal has, essentially, been done to bring defensive midfielder Yann M’Vila to Arsenal from Rennes. Opinion is split on whether this is dependent on a third place finish or not.

It sounds as of the price is decided between the two clubs. It could well be that the player wants to wait until the Champions League position is clear. Fingers crossed that means next weekend.

But what would it mean for Alex Song? A bit of competition or are rumours of his departure a real possibility? Maybe Arsene Wenger wants the option of playing two holding players against the better teams.

Junior Hoilett
There also seems to be a bit of a media bandwagon for Blackburn’s Junior Hoilett as well. Not quite sure about the logic of this one, particularly with the Podolski deal done. Hoilett is a winger come striker, much like Podolski. We also have Gervinho. It could be an alternative to a deal for Benayoun, but I think that we have benefited from his experience.

Jan Vertonghen
Apparently we are about to be ‘snubbed’ by Vertonghen as he chooses Spurs over us. Typical life-cycle of a transfer rumour! First link a player to a club and build the story up. No firm evidence required. Then, when the unsubstantiated transfer doesn’t happen, switch to the ‘snub’ stage.

Personally I don’t get the Vertonghen story anyway. I think that our defensive problems are about the way we play rather than the individual personnel.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have lost to Liverpool. So they can do no better than sixth now. So they have to win the Champions League to play any kind of European football at all next season. A win-win for Di Matteo then: win the Champions League and Abramovich is so greatful that he keeps the job; lose and no big name will want it and he gets to keep the job.

Every game counts.  Well of course they always did, but you know what I mean.  The bad start, being the media’s fashionable target, the fact that Man City have joined the top table.

Anyways, trips to places like Blackburn matter just as much as anywhere else, even when they are rooted to the bottom of the league.

Steve Keen is under pressure from the media and Blackburn fans after a weak start to the season:

Premier League:
Wolves (h) – lost 2:1
Aston Villa (a) – lost 3:1
Everton (h) – lost 1:0
Fulham (a) – drew 1:1

Cup:
Sheffield Weds (h) – won 3:1

Steve Keen and club captain Chris Samba have appealed to fans to show unity and support the team, but some are planning a demonstration before the game tomorrow.  Blackburn are hoping to have Junior Hoilett and Chris Samba back from injury tomorrow but could be without David Dunn, Ryan Nelson and Morten Gamst Pedersen.

So what about the Arsenal?

Definitely out of course are Vermaelen, Diaby, Squillaci and Rosicky.  Ramsey is doubtful too, leaving Arsene Wenger with the same midfield dilemma as the Dortmund game.  Back from suspension of course are Song, Gervinho and Jenkinson.

So will we see the team from Tuesday night run out again tomorrow lunchtime?  Without Ramsey and Rosicky, Wenger has to chose between attack: Arteta, Song and Benayoun; or defend: Arteta, Song and Frimpong.  I’ve given up suggesting that Arshavin could be tried in the middle as it never seems to happen.  I guess there has to be a question about how frequently thirty-one year-old Benayoun starts as well.

Blackburn is exactly the sort of team we have tripped up against in the past and we are still surely in grinding recovery mode.  So my hunch is that Frimpong will start.

The other selection issue that is getting aired around the blogs is whether Walcott would benefit from a bit of obvious competition for his place.  Arsenal now have a wealth of wide options with Arshavin, Gervinho, Miyaichi, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Park.  Chamberlain has been doing brilliantly for the England under-21s and will surely play in the cup game against Shrewsbury next week, but could he get a start this weekend?

I’m guessing not.  Walcott hasn’t been that impressive, but he has scored three of our seven goals this season and got some assists too.

When does Santos start?  Wenger hasn’t said a lot about him and he’s only come on a sub so far.  It’s a bit hard to know what’s going on there.  Is the Brazilian with 20 caps just there to cover Gibbs?

Anyway, with no great wisdom or even guesswork to impart over the leftback, I think were going to see little change from Tuesday:

_________ Szczesny ________
Sagna __ Merte __ Kos __ Gibbs
_____ Song _ Frimpong _____
_________ Arteta __________
Walcott _ Van Persie _ Gervinho

What do you think?