Bolton vs Arsenal: Match Preview

So this Sunday we travel to the Reebok with our title challenge hanging by a thread. Unlike many who have absolutely given up on the title, I am still very optimistic about the title race. Now it seems like it is going to be a three horse race for the title. Man United may be six points in front but a loss would put them back into the clutches of both Arsenal and Chelsea considering that the Red Devils still have to play both team. I am sure the end of the this season is gonna be more thrilling than the one we had last year

The Gunners have not lost to Bolton in their last five meetings in the Premiership. Last September, we thrashed them 4-1 at the Emirates but I don't think it is gonna be that easy this time around. Owen Coyle's team has been doing well this season although they seem to have gone off the boil in the last couple of games culminating in the humiliation last Sunday at Wembley in the FA Cup semifinals. They must be still smarting from the defeat and will definitely go all out to erase that memory by claiming the Gunner's scalp.

However, I have seen enough in the team last Wednesday to be optimistic about this match. After several pretty lacklustre matches, the attack seems to have gotten its swing back so we should see some goals for us. The key to getting a victory is again keeping the opposition out With Kevin Davies prowling the penalty box, our backline will come under pressure in the match but now with Wojciech Szechny between the post I am more confident. We just need to stump out those individual mistakes that have cost us dearly. All in all I expect the Gunners to claim three points this weekend. Who knows if the other results go our way, we would be right behind Man United before the May 1st showdown.

Revenge over the Spuds needed badly

The loss at the Emirates earlier in the season was truly heartbreaking. To lead 2-0 going into the half and lose 3-2 in the end was the low point in our season. Since then we have gone to deeper depths of humiliations at St James's Park and Wembley but that will all be forgotten if we can get all three points tonight. 

The Spuds are not playing particularly well at this moment. After a bright start to their season, the team has sputtered over the last couple of months, much like the way our team is playing as well. So with both teams needing the points, I think this match is going to be a classic encounter which I hope we will come out on top.

The Spuds need the points because they are still chasing Man City for the final Championship spot while it is obvious why we need the points. Arsenal can close the gap to Man United to 4 points with a win tonight while a loss might see us drop to third place depending on Chelsea's result against Birmingham. So it is a game of epic proportions which neither side can afford to lose or draw.

Actually I am glad that we are not playing at the Emirates. As we saw last Sunday, teams come to the Emirates hoping to snatch a draw and if we can't break them down early (as it frequently happens) then we are in trouble. When we play away, teams tend to be more adventurous thus allowing players like Cesc and Nasri more space to create opportunities. I am sure the Spuds will come at us and it will be an open match with free-flowing football. This will suit us fine as we are more than capable of containing the Spuds attack. What we mustn't do is to lose our head and concentration like we did at the Emirates.

Getting a result and the points are important but what's more critical is the need to revenge for the humiliation at the Emirates. Come on you Gunners, do us proud!

Match Preview: Blackpool vs Arsenal

So this Sunday is another one of those must win matches we have been hearing for the past month or so. Every time we have a must win match, we ultimately fail to do so. The last three matches were particularly disappointing as they were very winnable matches especially the two home games. Now from a comfortable run in to challenge Man United, we have literally handed them the initiative and they are taking it by the horns. On the other, we seem to be stumbling yet again, as in previous years.

Somehow, I do not feel very confident about the match against the Seasiders. They are a tough team to beat at home and given our form at the moment, a draw could even be a stretch. Unless of course, the lads decide to turn on the power for the last 7 games and really give the title challenge a go. It is still not impossible to win, as Man United will surely drop points in their last six matches. The only thing we need to do keep pace with them until the end of the month when they visit the Emirates. I still think that match will be title decider.

I am not sure what has happened to the Gunners in the past few games but the lads have just not shown that they want the title. Arsene was totally right when he said he couldn't see the strength in the last match against Blackburn. In fact, there was no passion in the play at all. That is the most saddening part for me, not the drop points but the lack of desire from the players. I just hope the boss can do something this weekend and turn the whole morale of the team around for the sake of the club and supporters.

Arsenal vs Blackburn: Match Preview

The game tomorrow is another one which we cannot lose. Actually we have said this phrase so often that it has lost much of its meaning. Yes, we need to win the match tomorrow but I am not sure if it is that critical anymore. If anything, the Premier League this year is as unpredictable as ever. I am sure that even if we do not get full points against Blackburn we will still be in the title race because I do foresee Man United losing to West Ham.

It is not to say that I don’t want the full points from tomorrow’s match. We have not won for some time now so we need to win tomorrow to boost the team’s morale. With the return of the four key players I know we can do it. Plus we are at home tomorrow so by right we should be for all three points.

Beating Blackburn used to be some much more joyful when the Big Walrus was there. There are still a tough side to beat although I think they are struggling at the moment. Steven Kean has until the end of the season to make sure he remains in the job so his boys will really be up for it. All in all, it should be an entertaining match. I am sure the Gunners will do us proud and win all their remaining matches starting with this one

I am worried about tomorrow's match

We are to the grind of the English Premier League, with a match against Stoke City tomorrow night at the Britannia Stadium. This match was postponed from December when the country was covered in snow.

With Arsene Wenger news that both Van Persie and Koscielny will miss tomorrow match, I am a little worried about the consequences for the team. Van Persie is the league's top scorer in 2011 and we will certainly miss his goals up front. However it is the loss of Koscielny that is making me very worries. Djourou and Kos has formed a good partnership and in the absence of Vermaelen remains the two best centre-backs that we have. Koscielny will definitely be partnered with Squillaci and this partnership untested will come under extreme examination by the bully boys from Stoke City.

The game plan of the Potters is very traditional but successful against teams like us. We have always been subceptible to the high ball and tall centerforwards. In Stoke City's line-up, they have two giants in Jones and Carew. There is no doubt that both will feature in the match to take advantage of the long bombs from Rory Delap. I just am not confident with Squillaci's role in defense. Although he started well at the beginning of the season, he seems to have deteriorated at the turn of the year after returning from injury. The only saving grace for me is having Wojciech in goal because he is definitely more commanding than Almunia.

If we are going to keep our title hopes alive, these two games against Stoke will be critical. Don't forget Spurs are not far behind and anything less than a win will make it really uncomfortable for the Gunners at the tail end of the season when we have to visit White Hart Lane

Arsenal vs Huddersfield: Match Preview

After the hiccup at the Emirates in the last round, we certainly do not want a repeat of the lacklustre performance from the boys when they take on Huddersfield in the FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday. We were lucky to get out of the third round and have a great chance of reaching the next round after being paired with League One side Huddersfield Town.

Managed by Lee Clark, the former Newcastle star, Huddersfield have been playing attractive football in the league and it would shock no one should they go all the way and win promotion to the Championship. Actually they would be better show concentrating their efforts on winning promotion so the FA Cup may be a distraction for them. On paper, the Gunners should roll over the Terriers especially at the Emirates and with the team playing so well a the moment. However, the lads should be mindful of that complacency should take rear its head on Sunday.

The good news for the Gunners is that we have most of our players back with Almunia, Diaby and Squillaci all scheduled to be part of the squad. It is a certainly that this side will be a much changed on from the team which beat Wigan in the League or Ipswich in the League Cup semifinals. You would expect to see Almunia back between the sticks after being losing his place to both Fabianski and Scezchny. Van Persie is another certainty not to make the squad as Arsene would definitely keep his prized attacker for the league matches. All in all, the Gunners should have more than enough firepower to blast opposition away and score another 3 goals in the match to keep the 3 goals a game record intact for the moment. A clean sheet would help as well.

It is a pity that we will not be able to see young Gunner Benik Afobe in action. Although Arsenal were happy to let him play against his parent club, FA Cup rules forbid youth players on loan to participate in a match versus the parent club under any circumstances.

Should we rotate the squad for the Cup matches?

As we approach tomorrow match against Ipswich, the question on most supporters' mind is whether the Boss is going to extensive rotate the squad for the match. In his interviews, Arsene has stated the need for first team players to take a break after being involved in so many matches. Tomorrow's match at the Emirates will be our 8th match this January and there's still another to come in the FA Cup 4th round this Sunday. We have been playing two games a week for most of the month  so there is much logic in what Arsene says.

However, much as I would like to believe that the squad players are just as good as the first team players, I just cannot put my confidence in the likes of Arshavin, Rosicky and Bendtner such an important match. On paper our squad of internationals looked to be the best in the Premier League but in reality, the woeful displays of Arshavin, Rosicky, Eboue et al have really put a dent into our hopes of challenging for all honours this season. Steve MacMahon, now a pundit here in Asia, keeps going on about the need to play your best side in every game. While I don't often agree with him, there is absolutely truth in what he has.

One very important thing that rotating the squad would disrupt is momentum. Since the defeat at Portman Road, we have got back into groove, with three wins on the trot, scoring three goals in each while only conceding 1. We really looked like a team that can go on to win something this year. I am afraid we might lose our "mojo" if Arsene tries to tinker with the squad going into Cup matches.

There is no doubt that some players will need to rest but let's keep the core intact. Players such as Fabregas, Nasri and Van Persie should always start and hopefully kill off the match by the 60-70th minute. Then we can bring them off for much needed rest. Anyway, most of them have been missing matches through injury so it is not like they have been playing the whole season.

The League Cup is there for the taking. Let's not screw this up.

Let's make it six in a row

Since the setback at Old Trafford in mid December, we have won five Premiership games on the trot. Last week's 3-0 win at West Ham was a commanding as the ones we saw earlier in the season. Whether that was really due to our superiority or West Ham's utter surrender is another matter. What's important is that we seem to have gotten our confidence and in Nasri, Van Persie and Fabregas, we have three of the in-forms players in the league.

Although we have a rather important match coming up in mid week, I am sure Arsene will put out his best side for the match at the Emirates. This means we will be seeing the like of the triumvirate above, with Wilshere, Walcott and Clichy back after being rested for the game against Leeds. In his press conference, Arsene mentioned that Chamakh and Denilson are carrying knocks from the Leeds game and will probably not make it to the subs bench.

Tomorrow's match is an important home match which we must win and win comprehensively. This is because tomorrow we start a sequence of 4 home matches, in League and Cup competitions. We have been beaten 3 times already this season at home so we need to build the momentum for the coming matches at the Emirates with a good solid win tomorrow. More important a win will give the team the right mindset to tackle the small issue of the Carling Cup semi-final where we trail Ipswich by 1-0. A loss or draw tomorrow will send shivers down the spine of any Arsenal supporter hoping to see the team end its title drought with the League Cup and put a dent in team morale ahead of that match.

West Ham vs Arsenal: Match Preview

So after two successive disappointment in cup competitions, we go back to the business of the premiership this weekend with a trip to East London against West Ham.. On paper, this match looks pretty straight forward given the disparity in league positions among the two team.s However, we are still not sure which Arsenal team will turn up for the match. The one that performed so beautifully to beat champions Chelsea or the sub par babies who couldn't even take out lowly Ipswich.

Once thing's for sure, it would be a much change side to the one which competed in the cup competitions. I do not expect to see players like Bendtner, Gibbs and Denilson on the subs bench let alone start the match. Instead, we will see the return of Nasri, Van Persie and Clichy to add some bite especially in the attack.

The team's offence has been very poor for the past two games. This has got to be down to the players forming the attacking unit in those games. We know Bendtner is not go enough to lead the line (Arsene is probably putting out in the shop window for both matches) while the two wide players, Walcott and Arshavin are suffering from low self confidence. I am sad to see both of them perform so badly because I think we need both of them to be firing if we are to challenge for honours in all four competitions. Walcott really needs to regain his form he showed earlier in the season. It seems like he is trying too hard and not getting the results. On the other hand, Arshavin needs to try harder. He seems to give up most of the time when his tricks or passes does not go through. It's definitely a mental issue so if we can't straighten him out may be it's time to ship him out.

The Gunners are also facing some injuries concerns especially to our skipper and goalkeeper. Wojciech has proven to be a capable replacement for Fabianski but the loss of Fabregas would be a concern. Thankfully we have Nasri and Van Persie back to run things in midfield.

We have quite a good recent record against the Hammers, having beaten them in our last three meetings. They are another inconsistent side who had performed badly in the premiership but continue their good run in the cup competitions. Avram Grant's job is on the line so it looks like a game he cannot afford to lose.

Arsene, please don't underestimate Ipswich

Tonight we will take a step closer to winning our first title in 5 years. First we have to get through Championship side Ipswich to reach the final. Although it may seem like a forgone conclusion on paper, I would say we should be wary of the Tractor Boys tonight. Since Ipswich got hammered 7-0 last weekend by Chelsea, you may not be impressed by my lack of optimism but here are two reason why I am a little concerned.

Firstly, the new manager effect may be a factor in the opposition's performance. Last weekend, they were managerless after Roy Keane was sacked but they have installed Paul Jewell as manager and it will be his first game in charge. As we have seen countless times, whenever a new manager comes in, the performance typically goes up. The players want to impress the new manager and would be playing out of their skin to keep their place in the squad.

Secondly, the League Cup is all there is for the opposition. Ipswich are currently lying down at the bottom of the Championship so this is their only chance for glory. Moreover they have prove to be resilient in this competition, having beaten another Premiership team, West Bromwich Albion in the previous round. I am sure they will be up for it.

Having said all that, our boys will also be wanting to end the wait for a title this year. It is there for the taking and there is no reason why we can not win this one. With the fixture congestion coming up in the next few weeks, we need to win this game by a healthy margin so that the return leg is where the manager can afford to rest some of the key players. Unlike the match against Leeds where we started without some of the stars, I hope the manager will not make the same mistake again and start with his best team from the get go.

The FA Cup Odyssey Begins

Last year's defeat at Stoke was a bitter pill to digest. Arsene got it totally wrong last year playing a somewhat weakened side against the Potters. I wouldn't fault him though as the squad was not deep enough and we were in a good place to challenge for the title.

This time around, he has indicated that he will be making wholesale changes for the upcoming clash against Leeds but I am confident that this time around, we have the players to step up even when the regulars are rested. I am talking about players like Denilson, Gibbs Rosicky, Bendtner and Arshavin who have not been featuring regularly in recent weeks. This is the time for them to show the boss that they are good enough to be part of the team. I was criticized for saying Bendtner is not good enough for the team. Well, let's hope he can show me what he is all about against a team playing in League One.

There are also talks that Arsene might give young Japanese sensation Ryo Miyachi a run-out in this game. I am very excited to see this guy play. Being Asian, I love to see him succeed at the club. I haven't seen him play before but everybody has been singing praises of him. Plus I believe the Professor will not sign a 18 year old unless he is exceptional.

As everyone keep reminding us, our last trophy was the 2005 FA Cup. I think it is about time the Cup came home to the Emirates. It only takes 6 wins to claim the Cup and it all begins on Saturday.

Arsenal vs Manchester City: Match Preview

Happy New Year everybody, the Kid is finally back after much needed break over the holiday season. Didn’t catch the matches over the holiday season but it is a good feeling knowing that we managed to get 7 points from the 3 matches played over the last week. It would have been better if we had beaten Wigan but I suppose the wins over Chelsea and Birmingham made up for much of the disappointment.

We have quite often faltered when coming up against out title competitors so I hope the Chelsea results will mean that we have turned the corner with regards to playing the big teams. Tomorrow’s match against the Citizens is no doubt a big match. We certainly need a win to keep up with United at the top of the table. As Arsene said, the title is there for us to take and we need to grasp this opportunity by its horns.

After tomorrow’s match, we would have completed half of the fixtures against our main title rivals with only a visit to White Hart Lane and epic clash with United at the Emirates still to come. I know it is still too early to talk about title run-ins but if you look at United and Chelsea, they still have to play each other home and away which will mean either one or both will drop points.

Therefore, it is supremely important that we win tomorrow’s match against the Citizens. We have shown that we can beat them with the 3-0 thrashing we gave Roberto Mancini’s side in October. The opposition is on a winning streak but I don’t think they have been playing all that well. Their victory over Blackpool was labored and they still have not found a way to play Tevez and Balotelli in the same line-up.

As for us, the win over Birmingham was impressive and I believe Arsene will stick to almost the same line-up with a few changes notably Arshavin for Walcott and Squillaci for Djourou or Koscielny. Other than that I think the team pretty much picks itself. We may have lost a couple of games at the Emirates earlier in the campaign but the victory over the Blues last time around shows we are back to the good old days at the Emirates.

Arsenal vs Stoke City: Match Preview

This Saturday, we welcome Tony Pulis’s team to the Emirates. Now that Big Sam is out of a job, Pulis must be the manager most hated by Arsenal fans among the current crop of Premiership gaffers. His reaction and comments after the Shawcross incident and subsequent jibes regarding our beloved team has made him a favorite target for the loyal fans at the Emirates.

The Potters are in quite good form coming into this match having gone four matches unbeaten before bad home defeat to Blackpool last weekend, whereas we are still suffering from the morale-crushing defeat to Man United on Monday night.

We know have our full complement of first choice players back bar for Vermaelen so we should see how the team gel after some lackluster performances. I have said previously that our success this year would be conditioned on getting the offensive players to work together in the same team Arsene must somehow fit Van Persie and Chamakh upfront and accommodate both Cesc and Nasri in field. This issue will be a major determinant of our success this season. It has been proven time and again that went we score early then our chances of winning are much better.  In fact we almost always win when we go ahead in a match.

Surprisingly our attack has been stuttering for the past couple of games. Somehow we are not getting in gear. Against Man United, we were hardly an attacking force and barely forcing Van der Sar to make a save. This is unacceptable given the quality of offensive players at the manager’s disposal. If the player is not playing up to his form, then make the brave decision and bench him. Arshavin would be a classic case.  He is blowing hot and cold this season (mainly cold) so let’s give others a chance. There are others waiting in the wings like Theo and Vela. Although both have not impressed of late, they can provide more variation to that Arsenal attack. Theo especially has been disappointing since he came back, but I feel he deserves his chance in the starting line-up.

This match will not be won by our defense. We know how Stoke will play and given recent history, they will probably score a goal from one of Delap’s missiles. This is inevitable so in order to win this Saturday we need to score more goal that them. With Chelsea and Man United going against each other, it will be an opportunity for us to climb back to the top of the Premiership for Christmas.

Final thoughts before the match: Efficiency in attack key to winning the match

As they say, the best form of defence is attack. This will be especially true for the match tonight. If we are to stand any chance of winning the match tonight, we need to attack the Red Devils will all the efficiency we've got.

To rely on our defence to hold out for 90 minutes will be a tall order. That's why we need to take our chances at the other end and put the home team under pressure from the get go.

Similar to the game against Chelsea which we would have won if team was efficient in attack, this game will boil down to the team taking their chances. If we were to go and grab a couple of early goals then they would commit more men forward. Please note that I mentioned goals because a one goal lead will not be enough with our defense looking a porous as it is. We would have opportunities to score definitely and we need to take them. It is a simple as that.

Not sure if Fabianski can recover in time but if he doesn’t and Wojciech starts, I hope the young Pole can take his chance and put in the game of his life (ala Mannone against Fulham last season). He has been crying for his chance so here is the best opportunity. Go and prove it to us fans!

We need to win tonight!

With Chelsea and Spurs cancelling out each other yesterday, we have the opportunity to pull away from three of our championship competitors with a good result from a single match. A win tomorrow and we will be 4 clear or Man U and 5 ahead of Chelsea.

As this year's premiership becomes tighter and tighter such an advantage will be priceless. Yes, we know that any team can drop points during any weekend but as the season progresses, the likelihood of upsets become less and less, and the perennial title challenger go on long unbeaten run.

Surprise defeats usually come early in the season as mid and low table teams  still have the full fitness of a squad. This is unlikely to continue and by christmas you would see teams like Blackpool, wolves, Wigan and west ham unable to win another match in a long time.

Therefore to be champions we need to maintain the consistency and the advantage gap that we have built. We have gone on long unbeaten runs before as the Gunners are traditional strong during the turn of the year.

However everything starts with a victory tonight. We need to win this one!

Manchester United vs Arsenal: An Early Preview

Last year we suffered at the hands of the Red Devils losing both matches against them. The match at Old Trafford was a travesty as we really should have won the match. We dominated for long periods and took the lead only to be undone by two individual mistakes from Almunia and Diaby. I still cannot forget the Diaby own goal and often wondered how he did that. Nonetheless, let's look forward to Monday.

We are top of the table but our performances are far from convincing. The same goes for Manchester United. Yes they are still unbeaten and coming off a convincing victory over Blackburn but that result is very much like Diaby's own goal. It is a fluke. I have watched Manchester United this year and I personally think we have great chance this year.

Although their attack can be devastating with the likes of Nani, Berbatov and Rooney, their defence like us, is still suspect. This is especially true for the fullbacks. Patrice Evra has not been the same since he came back from the World Cup debacle and on the other side, there is no recognized right back in the team since Gary Neville. I don't think Gary will play but if he does, it is good news for us. He moves like a truck these days. So with our play very much attacking the flanks we do stand a great chance of opening their defence.

As for our team, we are almost back to full strength. Cesc might be back for the match but I don't think he would start given our hectic fixture over the coming weeks. We are blessed with choices up front and if one player is not performing we can switched this around, like what Le Professor did with Arshavin and Walcott.

It is the defence that we are a bit short and weak at the moment. This is the worst kept secret currently and I am sure the opposition will attack us down the middle. Not sure who should partner Squillaci, now that Djourou is back on track. I am inching towards the Swiss given his performance against Wigan and Fulham but whoever it is, the midfield screen should be prepared to put in a hard day's work.

Arsenal vs Fulham: Match Preview and Probable Line-Up

This has been a good week for us, with two successive victories in the past seven days. However, we need to be in the best of form to avoid a third straight home defeat this Saturday against Fulham. This has never ever happened before in the club’s history so let’s pray that the lads will not under-perform as they did at home in the month of November. Last month, we played five league matches at home, winning three away from home but losing the other two that were played at the Emirates.

Now that we have put the month of November behind us, I am a little bit more optimistic about the result of this tie. Fulham has only one victory this season and a whole lot of draws (a characteristic of team managed by Mark Hughes). The Cottagers are also coming into this match with an Arsenal-like injury situation, missing at least 4 keys players in Dembele, Salcido, Senderos and Zamora. They have also not beaten Arsenal away from home for the past 30 odd years so it’s even more reason to be optimistic.

As for the Gunners, we are not missing any players other than the ones we already know in Fabregas, Diaby, Vermaelen and Almunia. Nasri and Squillaci who were rated doubtful for the match has been pronounced fit by the Boss and will likely take their place in the starting eleven. Chamakh will continue up-front as Van Persie is unlikely to start two matches in a row at the present moment.

With the cold front sweeping over England, there is a worry that the match will not go on. If it does, we would again have the opportunity to go to the top of the table if we can better whatever Chelsea does against Everton, as the Blackpool vs Manchester United’s game has been called of.

Probable Line-Up: Fabianski, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Nasri, Arshavin, Walcott, Chamakh.

Arsenal vs Wigan: Match Preview and line-ups

If there is going to be a finish article to Arsene Wenger’s youth project, then this is absolutely a match that the Gunners have to win. Not only this match, the lads have to gone and win this trophy to silence the many critics out there.

On paper this match should be a stroll in the park. However as we learnt from the past weeks, our form at the Emirates is hardly anything to shout about. In fact, it might even be detrimental since we have lost the last two games at home. Also, how can we forget the capitulation last year at the DW Stadium. We can say last April’s performance was due to the lack of senior players in the squad. This time around, Arsene has promised a strong squad in this Carling Cup quarterfinal matchup.

Traditional up and coming stars like JET and Lansbury would get a chance but this time around I expect to see more familiar faces. Certainly the Professor would rest some who have played at the weekend but players like Van Persie, Arshavin, Nasri and Walcott should all start the match.

The probably line-up: Almunia, Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Gibbs, Denilson, Wilshere, Nasri, Walcott, Eboue, Arshavin, Van Persie.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal: Match Preview

This match is going to be another tough test for the Gunners. After two disappointing back to back losses to Spurs and Braga, the lads would certainly need to pick themselves up to win this match at Villa Park. The Gunners are in a confidence crisis and their play on the field reflects that.

In the game against Braga, there was hardly any creativity even though we had the majority of the possession. Losing Fabregas to injury is certainly a blow to the them but in may be a blessing in disguise. Our captain have hardly been the player he was last year and a part from the first half against Spurs, he has been disappointing in our losses so far. With so much of our play going through him, it is no surprise that we struggle when he does turn up.

Without him out injured, Arsene can play in the in-form Nasri in his place. As he shown in France’s victory over England, Nasri is brilliant when playing down the middle. He is easily our best player this season and I hope that with him in the centre, he can galvanize the attack with has been lacking in sharpness recently.  Also without Fabregas, the team tends to look for other options to attack rather than seeking the easy option of playing the ball to Fabregas to work his magic. This will ensure that our attacking play becomes less predictable.

After a week’s rest, I certainly believe that Van Persie will start the match this time around. Although Chamakh has done so well since joining the club, RVP provides another dimension to the attack and I think he may be the catalyst to reinvigorate our title hopes.

There is never a good time to visit Villa Park but this weekend is as good as any. Although their injury problems have somewhat abated and players like Agbonlahor and Carew are back, the squad hasn’t really gelled into place under Gerrard Houllier. Moreover, their in-form winger Marc Albrighton will be out after undergoing surgery recently.

As I said, the lads are facing a confidence crisis currently. Now more than ever, we need to put in a good performance to bring back the zest in our play and support from the fans.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspurs: An Early Preview

So the distraction of a midweek international friendly is over and we go back to business in the English Premier League. Next up for the Gunners, a clash with our perennial and most hated of adversaries, Tottenham Hotspurs.

As with previous editions of the North London derby, this one is going to be a fire-cracker. Ever since the defeat to the Scums last April at White Hart Lane, we have been looking forward to put them back in their place. Just because they beat us one miserable time and qualify for the Champions League, the Scums suddenly think that they have bragging rights to be the best in North London. Well, you just have to look at the current league table to realize how dumb the other side is.

No doubt they have improved as a team (considering the amount of money they spent, I would expect more than what they are currently doing if I were the owner) but inconsistent displays will ensure that they will again challenge for the final Champions League spot but no further. The Gunners however, are just two points of the top and a win in this fixture will see us overtake Chelsea, at least until they play later in the day.

Last year we gave them a 3-0 roasting at the Emirates off a man of the match performance from Cesc. This year, he has not performed that well but this is the kind of game that needs his leadership and brilliance which I have no doubt he will deliver. We will probably not have Wilshere for this game after he pulled out of the England squad through injury. The same might be said for Arshavin and Rosicky who return to the team carrying slight knocks from their international excursions. Koscielny returns from his two match ban but it remains to be seen if he can reclaim his place in the center of defence.

The Scums have injury problems of their own with Tom Huddlestone joining the long-term injury list. The England midfielder will miss up to two months of league action after his ankle surgery. He joins Jermaine O’Hara, Michael Dawson, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate on the sidelines. Jermaine Defoe is back in training but he won’t be ready for this match. This match will also bring William Gallas back to the Emirates for the first time since he left on a free transfer in the summer

For the past few years, the North London derby has either gone to the home side or the match is drawn. I don’t see a drawn match this time around and I am sure we will thump the Scums just like we did over a month ago in the Carling Cup.