Johnson has been in good form & will be up against Monreal who is distinctly out of form of late. That could be the key match-up for me.
I agree with A87 - dropping Ozil would be a mistake, he will be wanting to make up for the penalty miss and it's best to get that out of his system asap. Dropping him after a mistake could end up effecting him poorly.
Any team news at all yet? We know Gibbs is out injured, any other injuries or suspensions i have forgotten about? Think we will line up with: -------Sczc------ Sagna--Mert--Kosc--Monreal -----Flamini--Arteta---- Oxocube---Ozil----Podolski -----------Giroud------ With Wilshere, Rosicky and Cazorla to make appearances from the bench. Unless Oxocubesknockfrom theBayern game means he isnt able to start in which case Rosicky or Cazorla will probably start on the right.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Rosicky, Wilshere, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gnabry, Sanogo, Bendtner Ozil dropped completely which is a big surprise. Was sure he'd be on the bench at least. Most likely Wilshere alongside Arteta in midfield with Rosicky and Cazorla in the CAM and RAM roles. Good to see Podolski starting.
Really wasn't expecting to see Ozil out of the team, maybe his head is not right and so he is getting a rest completely rather than being under scrutiny on the bench. Fully expect him back in the team after this game.
In effect what Gus said was only relative to the DM role, as Bridcutt and Catts are the options, then there is little sense in playing Catts when Liam can't feature next week regardless, as he's cup tied. Apart from that it will be full strength, whether that's good enough to win at your place, I doubt very much, but we could nick a point if a few things go our way. What would be the point of a club of our size doing a Wigan? Winning a trophy, which for Wigan was just a fairytale, for us could be a catalyst, a route into Europe, and the possibility of signing a higher calibre player and kicking on. Playing in Europe, and going down, pointless, 44 league games, restricted budget due to reduced income, means in all likelihood promotion becomes difficult. Our season isn't reliant on games like Arsenal away, we have 5 of the bottom 7 left to play, but we have to fight for ANYTHING we can get to remain in the league, and well Gus knows this. I'm going for 1-1, but will admit that's optimistic. For the record, I'm DELIGHTED to see Ozil out, class is permanent. All the best
Anyway, Ozil exclusion aside, it's a strong team and means Cazorla will play through the middle and Podolski gets a start. Giroud, Rosicky, Podolski and Arteta are all fresh legs as they didn't feature in midweek (or in Rosickys case only played a small part) so hopefully we won't feel the effect of the fixture congestion too heavily.
Looks like a decent quality link if anyone needs. http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=241749&part=sports acestream://11f2eb93cfe49106b5336b9d36ce05de493c5692/
One swallow doesn't make a summer! Good play am happy for the lad just like to see more that's all he's our ONE so that puts him under scrutiny all the time remember we all ready had a wonder kid here in our era (Cesc) so that the example anyone will have to follow.
