SB's team talk will be along the lines of don't concede early - unlike last season. So I expect a solid defensive strategy for the first 20 mins or so. Can't imagine he'll start with Ben Arfa.
I would have thought this is exactly the sort of game where SB might look at playing an attacking midfielder "in the hole" to help to try and link up the midfield and attack to relieve some pressure, rather than going with two out and out strikers up front. Whether that player is Ben Arfa (fitness?), Ramirez, Brady, Ince or Aluko is another matter but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see us employ this set up away from home against teams where we are likely to struggle for possession.
Reports suggest that Arteta is injured, which I'm happy with as he always seems to do well against us
Is there gunner / gooner be an official match thread posted.? And can we Incorporate a poll to ascertain votes on the proceedings. Is'nt it about time our head to head discrepancies fleshed out a bit.? Hull to claw back a game from the last 6 losses to the Arsenal.
Don't think there's much argument about nine of our starters on Saturday. Question marks are probably Livermore (tactics and form) and Hernandez (travel and fitness). With Meyler playing the full game today and Arsenal looking short in MF Bruce might decide to play Brady, who didn't play, or Ramirez instead of Jake and finally give Ben Arfa, Ince, or Aluko a start in Hernandez spot. I'd like to see Harper Chester Dawson Davies Elmo Huddlestone Diame Brady Robertson Ben Arfa Jelavic Jakupovic Rosenior McShane Livermore Ramirez Ince Aluko
Team News: Walcott In Contention But Arteta & Koscielny Set To Miss Hull Clash Arsenal are facing an injury crisis in defence with Laurent Koscielny set to miss the Hull City game this weekend with tendinitis, according to the Telegraph. Koscielny was sent home from international duty with France last week after tests revealed he had acute tendinitis in both ankles. The problem was not thought to be serious and the 28-year-old was initially expected to be passed fit to face the Tigers at the Emirates. However, the Telegraph are now reporting that Koscielny needs more time to rest, leaving Arsene Wenger with a selection headache this weekend. With Calum Chambers suspended and Mathieu Debuchy injured, Hector Bellerin is expected to start at right-back but we are seriously low on options in the middle of defence without Koscileny. The newspaper believes that Wenger is giving serious consideration to handing Nacho Monreal his first competitive start at centre-back after he featured in the middle during pre-season, and the boss has previously indicated he feels the player can do well in this position. http://football-talk.co.uk/96049/te...but-arteta-koscielny-set-to-miss-hull-clash/?
We should be giving this a real shake. 2 strikers same team as palace and don't worry about it being Arsenal we're playing. They are looking very short at the back... Robertson and Elmo flying down the wings, Jela and Diame ready to poke them home....
There must be a doubt whether Diame will play from the start, he plays tonight for Senegal, so probably won't get back to the UK until late tomorrow. 2 games in 3 days SB might feel he will be fatigued.
I think he would be more likely to come in instead of Hernandez, Livermore will be needed in Mid-field.
If fit it will be the same team that started the Palace game. simples. As for Arsenal or should i say the southern sick notes - who knows what they will start with. ??
No Walcott - Ramsey - Giroud - Ozil either. How many will be tired after the last 2 weeks ? Never been a better time to play Arsenal especially as they have a CL game in mid-week to plan for as well.
