Close though surely? Can't bring Fletch back without match fitness surely. Borini or Giacc? Jozy or Scocco, We know Brown is out still anarl but will come in for the final. Mannone Bardo-------O'Shea------Vergini----------Alonso Bridcutt------Colback Ki Johnson-------------------------------Giacc/Borini Jozy/Scocco ?
Should think so, but then is Wes Brown also... Good for Poyet to have these decisions to make, means a healthy squad.
I'd go along with that. We should be able to give them a game, with the possibility of a decent result, so get stuck in!!
Why not play Clatterhard and Birdy as a two in front of the back four? Johnson and Borini have to play so does Ki and so give Wickham a run out then bring on Scocco with 20 to go. Althidore can be put on a slow boat back to the U S of A. Or Fletcher could have a20 mins as well if he is going to fit for Wembley
Lawrenson: "Sunderland beat a below-strength Southampton in the FA Cup in their last match" Same ****e all the media have been coming out with, fails to mention our team was, 'below-strength', ffs we made 9 changes to our team, they made 6. ****ers
------------------Mannone----------------- Bardsley---Oshea----Vergini------Alonso -------Gardner--Bridcutt---Larsson------ Giaccherini--------------------------Borini -------------------Altidore------------------ Mix and match for me,.Johnson and Ki wrapped in cotton wool, Colback and Catts also rested for Wembley
I don't get this at all. Why would we rest someone when our next game is 8 days away? It's not like they've just played midweek either. Swansea did it last year the week before the final (away from home against strong opposition in the league... sound familiar? They lost 5-0) and I found it utterly bizarre then as well. If a professional athlete is still aching from running around 8 days later then he's in the wrong job!
Well you do have a point there mind. But Catts, eerr, Bridcutt can't play in h final, so maybe a wise choice to leave him out...Maybe not as prem survival is upmost.
The 4 reasons Arsenal must be wary of Sunderland Arsenal have come through a horrible period of games a little bumped and bruised but in miraculously good shape, mentally and physically. The Gunners have a tough job to do in Munich but it could have been much worse. They have got a home tie in the FA cup quarters and are somehow still just one point off the top of the Premier League. Just as importantly, the mental state and confidence levels should be in good nick after recovering well from our worst game in years. But this weekend’s game at the Emirates against Sunderland is really important. Win it and we are right back on track, feeling good and with a week to rest before going again. Lose it, or even draw, and the title hopes will start to look forlorn. And Sunderland could be a tough nut to crack for a number of reasons. 1. They have had a week off and played less games than us so should be fresh. Gus Poyet has rejuvenated them and got them playing with great energy and a high tempo pressing game. He has turned them around and got them off the bottom but they are still not safe and will be scrapping for every point, so we must match their work and earn the right to let our superior quality show. 2. They have the Carling Cup final next week, which every single Sunderland player will be desperate to play in. So whoever is on the Emirates pitch will be trying to catch their manager’s eye. However, the upcoming final could also work in Arsenal’s favour, because some players who feel sure of their place may be concerned about picking up a knock and missing out. We can’t rely on that, though, and should assume a fully committed game from them. 3. They have developed a bit of a reputation as giant killers. They beat Southampton in their last game and have already beaten Chelsea, Man United, Man City, Everton away and a thumping local derby win away to Newcastle. So the Gunners need to be on their mettle and make sure we don’t join that list. 4. Kieran Gibbs is unavailable. I am not going to slag off Nacho Monreal, but the Spaniard is struggling for form at the minute and will be up against the in form Adam Johnson. Johnson has been a major part of Sunderland’s resurgence and I fear for Monreal a bit. He will need help. A week off will be great for the Arsenal players, but not so good if we fail to beat Sunderland tomorrow. COYG
Poyet reckons we couldnt have a better prepared match before the final, many similarities All of a sudden i'm reet up for tha morra
Don't forget after 9 changes against Southampton and the M.City game being postponed, anymore rest and they'll need match fitness.
Feeling well optimistic about this, might be cup fever mind! Got a tenner on at tens, really feel we can get 3 points tomorrow and always back us at such long odds cause we manage it more than once in ten times, simple really. Would be such a boost for the final if we can get at least a point, bring it on
Exactly! Although I do agree about Catts sitting it out since he is our only available DM for the final... and is prone to the odd card or two
Only three bookings this year, however, sods law init? Like you said he's our only available DM for the final.
I would be tempted to give Whickham a run out for an hour today. Lets see what he can do on the big stage, nowt to lose today. Keep Jozy on bench and give Fletcher another week.
