The headline may have been apt prior to the Jekyll Hyde performance against Leeds on Saturday as a rejoinder on who would start and who would be rested. But, after our failed attempt at trying to shoot ourselves in the foot, it may be worth asking which attitude of Arsenal would turn up? I hope the right one does, since winning the Carling Cup is a minimal necessity for the team to progress.
Apart from Djourou and the increasingly assuring presence of Szescesny, I struggle for positives. Cesc and Theo had good cameos, granted. Gibbs looked clean and not injured. But the rest were quite close to shocking. The fans chose to boo Arshavin, but they could have easily picked any of the remaining targets. When Arsene signed Squillaci, we thought, here is an experienced centre back that would put the fear of the devil in the opposition. He got the first part right but is exercising his ‘powers’ on his club fans. I am getting that familiar Senderos feeling, if I see Squillaci, in the starting lineup. Hopefully, we would get away with a couple of blunders today. Denilson and Bendtner gave expected performances. Chamakh and Rosicky look to have lost their early season confidence. Song seemed disinterested to play in some third round game of some oldest cup competition in the world. To be honest, I am struggling, as I write, to sum up the performance of each player. I just don’t remember seeing them enough on the ball.
Coming to the semi final, Ipswich would be up for it. This is the first match for the new manager in charge, thus, a very good chance, the players are going to try that bit extra, to try and make an impression. I hope there is some revenge on the minds for the FA Cup exit we suffered in the hands of Paul Jewell, during his heady times at Wigan. I honestly can’t figure the Arsenal starting lineup for this one. Szescesny should continue in goal. Djourou needs to be wrapped in cotton wool, which leaves Koscielny to start. But, if my memory serves right, apart from Djourou, there is no other fit centre back. Ignasi Miguel for debut, anyone? Good chance, I guess. Unless, there is a new signing overnight. Eboue and Gibbs should continue. In the midfield, it looks to me like it could be Wilshere, Denilson and Rosicky. I hope they are flanked by JET and Vela, but my guess is as good as yours. Bendtner might be given one more chance to take the game by the scruff of the neck and be allowed to play upfront. Ramsey and Eastmond could have some say on the team that I mentioned, but looks unlikely.
I hope we stuff Ipswich since we are playing away. It would relax us for the return leg and would allow us the comfort of being able to rest first teamers again. And play Squillaci as well. Come on, ye Gooners!
Article written by V.Vikas (http://www.arsenal-view.blogspot.com/)
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Expect a strong team. Wenger wants this!
Szeschny— Gibbs, Djourou, Kos, Eboue — Song, Fab, Nasri — RvP, Arshavin, Theo
Think Nasri and Jack will be rested – otherwise a strong team.
Hello Scotty, Long time.
In the Caribbean warming myself up.
Got the Tablet for Christmas , can’t stop browsing.
I agree fully with Johan D being on top of his game, Arshavin will play, and so will Theo. The midfield will contain Nasri, because Cesc will be on the Sub bench. Charmakh will be on the bench or saved for West Ham. Bendy has to play, but I want RVP.
We have a problem with centre haves, hope nothing happens tomorrow to either of these two, such as a red card, because we would be in deep trouble.
P.S. I miss Thomas V.
its ipswich .u could just send fabergas on hi own there and im sure he would win 3-0
A few corrections from an Ipswich perspective, Jewell won’t be in charge for this one, he’s leaving the same coached in charge for the 0-7 drubbing by Chelsea. The team against Chelsea was significantly weakened from our usual poor Championship team (by loan recalls, injuries, suspensions, cup-tied players) and we’ve since lost a further couple of starters to injury. On top of this a few of the starters from Chelsea have just come back from injury and are unlikely to be risked for this one! You could put your youth team out and stroll this one 5-0 or so! Good luck in the final, we dislike the Hammers and Brum, so give them a thrashing and go easy on us!
Jewell has form against us in this competition; that lump jason roberts’s goal in the home leg at highbury to knock us out on away goals. Depends if ipswich chase silverware instead of league survival. What happened when they were relegated to the first divison (pre-‘championship’ rebranding) might play on their minds. None of this will matter if we don’t turn up, though.
In my opinion Wenger is getting it all wrong. He should have played his best team against Leeds to ensure passage into round 4 – or at least a team with no more than 4 changes. Similarly, with the away tie at Ipswich, he should play his ‘B’ team (perhaps the team that was on the pitch, but didn’t seem to turn up for the game on Saturday!). He should be looking for a win, of course, but failing that he should be able to secure a high-scoring draw which would then make it almost academic at the Emirates.
It seems to me that wholesale team changes do not work. Selected changes fitting into a strong structure are fine, and allow the new players to play to the height of their game. Putting almost a new team out that isn’t used to one another in a game sense, seems to pull everyone down to their worst level.
i hope for something like Sczescny-Gibbs-Koscielny-Thomas Cruise/Miguel-Ebuoe-Wilshere-Denilson-JET-Bendtner-Vela-Chamakh
Tinkerman will probably tinker himself in to a bad result even though i find it hard to come across more feeble opponents.
Blue, that’s very humble of you, good luck for the game. Anybody on the day can win, although I hope it’s us 🙂
well, hope the cunts that were fucked 10-1 play tonight. that’s a future worry for us. really worried about the future for the lack of good players coming through our academy now, apart from jw of course. i saw that live on monday. it was embarrassing quite frankly!
@bil, he probably rested a few players for the Carling Cup game. I’m not worried about the future to be honest.
who did. banfield? what the hell! thought neil banfield was the reserves coach and arsene wenger was the first team. u just put your comment without even reading mine!
@bil, I’m sure Wenger and Banfield talk to each other!
Maddo. How you doing mate? Long time no hear. I hope you’re all well buddy.
yeah. and, only 2 of the lads were in the squad for ipswich. shea (completely diabolical) and eastmund (i don’t see him getting a look in again to be honest after that horrible og). the fact of the matter is, our academy is now becoming inadequate with no talent coming through. again, i stress, only jw. no wonder bagfuls of them are released every season.