Arsenal team to play Chelsea: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Rosicky, Ramsey, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud Team to face Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires, Willian, Hazard; Torres.
Poldi is apparently on the bench, great news, when Giroud has been crap for 70 minutes, we can bring Poldi on to see what he can do in the middle with Ozil supplying him.
Giroud isn't nearly as bad as you try to make him out to be. But i agree it's great to have Podolski on the bench finally.
Ozil will start in the middle but they will switch around a lot i'd imagine as they have previously when played together.
To be fair in most games this season we have come out quickly and got in the opponents faces. The Utd and City games we didn't (neither did we against Napoli).
We were in Liverpool face. Napoli at home to and others. But you're right. The Manure game is defo an indication of how our game today will go
Firstly, can we get something straight. I don't make Giroud out to be awful on purpose, i want the guy to do well, it's just he's a very limited player. Secondly, agree on Poldi. Hopefully he starts through the middle on boxing day, would be a nice birthday treat.
i am happy if the Pod is on the bench , then when Giroud is his usual ineffective self , we have an option at 75 minutes . #notconfident #hopefull
I think there was sickness in the squad for the Utd game, but that aside as I said up until the Napoli game we had been starting brightly and quickly and pressing the oppo when they have the ball. That's what we need to get back to tonight.
I like the look of it. And the bench is strong too - with Monreal, Flamini, Podolski, Cazorla - it's possible to shore up a game or bring on attacking impetus.
