ARSENAL: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Ramsey, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud. BENCH: Fabianiski, Vermaelen, Monreal, Rosicky, Gnabry, Walcott, Bendtner.
A walloping by our excellent standards, I don't think we'll capitulate like we did in the corresponding fixture last season... Knock on wood, crossed fingers etc...
No Lovren. Confidence has taken a wee dip on reading that. The possibility of an own goal just went up. I notice the world's best striker (by his own reckoning) is on the bench for Arsenal. Thought he was off to turn any football team into a far better one.
Hooiveld isn't as bad as people are making out, yes Lovren is a loss but I'd fancy Hooiveld over Lovren to keep Giroud quiet. The quick footed centre mids and wingers will cause him problems but we should put faith in our full backs and centre mids to not let that happen.
It could be worse, at least Hooiveld in not playing against the likes of Aguero nad Suarez, he can cope with Giroud. Arsenal lack width, we will smother them
BREAKING: Arsenal v Southampton may be delayed by 30 minutes due to problems on Piccadilly Line. Announcement to be made at 2.30pm. (Courtesy of the Daily Mail reporter at the game)
Really? I'm not suggesting we're guaranteed to lose now but Hooiveld is nowhere near the player Lovren is.
Only just noticed that Gazza is on the bench. Interesting. Is Kelvin ill as well or is that a sign of things to come?
Away to the league leaders and we have 3 academy products starting and 3 on the bench (If you include Gallagher as one or not I don't know). Not bad.