please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Venue: Loftus Road Wednesday, March 4th 2015 KO Time: 19.45 BST please log in to view this image Head to Head Against QPR: Played: 48 Wins: 22 Draws: 13 Losses: 13 Goals For: 64 Goals Against: 44 Goal Difference: 20 Last 6 Meetings: Arsenal 2-1 QPR QPR 0-1 Arsenal Arsenal 1-0 QPR QPR 2-1 Arsenal Arsenal 1-0 QPR QPR 0-6 Arsenal (FA Cup) please log in to view this image Arsène Wenger has revealed the latest team news ahead of Wednesday night's match against QPR: on the team news... Aaron Ramsey is back in the squad. From Sunday against Everton, I don’t think we lost anybody. We have to check Francis Coquelin with the medical people this morning in training to see whether he’ll be available or not, but there’s no obvious reason why he should not be available. on Mathieu Flamini... Mathieu Flamini is not far away but not close enough. I think he will miss the next two games. on Jack Wilshere... He’s doing well but it takes some time to heal the wound after the surgery. It will take him a few days. on Wilshere’s availability for Man United game… It will be too soon. I don’t set any dates, but what is for sure is that for Man United he will not be available. on Ramsey needing to be strong mentally... When you have a repetition of muscular injuries, in can put the handbrake on your body a little bit. To get rid of that is a psychological problem. I don't think he suffers from that, looking at him in training. Certainly, you lose a bit of confidence in your body. Starting XI: please log in to view this image Bench: Martinez Koscielny Chambers Ramsey Oxlade-Chamberlain Walcott Welbeck
I'd say the same as this game if Wenger's Coq is still ok and ready for action - - please log in to view this image / http://www.footballuser.com/1212769/Arsenal Except for Monreal instead of Gibbs, and although I've gone for Gabriel to start, I have a sneaking suspicion that Merts might be recalled, as Wenger might want to use Gabriel sparingly until he's comfortable with out systems and the language.
Actually scratch that, Sanchez needs a rest - so Walcott should start instead of him (with Oxo switching flanks)
My team would be: Ospina, Monreal, Gabby, Kos, Chambers, Flamini, Rosicky, Cazorla, Ozil, Walcott, Welbeck Rest both Giroud and Sanchez, bring them in the second half if needed, but give them a small breather before the United game. Also after the war Coqualan went through today, I think it's best he's just left out and gets a week to heal up, it looked like he broke his nose, and he's going to be sore in the head even 2 days from now, so be on the safe side and give him a rest as well. I was thinking of giving Ozil a break too, but couldn't decide who to leave out, Ozil or Cazorla, and just decided to leave the OX out as I don't think he really offered us much today, and would rather have Walcott in his place. But wouldnt be totally against the OX starting, but not sure for who, Ozil? Cazorla? Maybe Ozil will most likely be the one to drop, give him a breather as well. And Ill have Chambers for Bellerin because let's not forget Bellerin is still very young, so for the best of the player, best not play him 3 times in 1 week, Wenger always goes on about needing to protecting the young players and not overusing them, well he has been used both physically and mentally in the past week, so give him a breather as well and bring in Chambers. please log in to view this image
I like the idea of Rosicky, Cazorla and Ozil passing it around and threading through balls to Walcott and Welbeck.
Can you play with a broken nose? I mean, yes, physically you can but I'd have thought breathing would be a real problem. Those masks you always see I thought were for things like fractured cheekbones and whatnot, rather than noses. I wouldn't fancy going for a header or any ariel challenge with a bust up conk...and yes, I know you're not supposed to head the ball with your face! I was under the impression Flamini was back too but may be wrong. Maybe he'd get a shout. It's not the biggest pitch at Loftus road so might not be that much of an issue with his positional (un)awarenes! If he is fit then I'd go with A87's team and give Danny a chance to shine up front as well as allowing Theo a chance to prove he's worthy of a starting spot.
Not sure I'd want to do it, but it shouldn't effect him in terms of his fitness or breathing provided it hasn't broken in a strange way I'd think. I'd rather see him in the team than flamini who I think has really lost his awareness and positioning this season. As long as a facemask gives him some general protection from knocks I'd like to see him play. I always wondered if they effect your vision though?
I'd rather Coquelin started over Flamini but I guess it's the point in having a squad. These players are supposed to step in when we have injuries and tiredness otherwise what's the point in havign them on the books? I know he has his issues but he's an experienced squad player who is capable of playing really well...he's just not done that for a long time. Meh, it's all conjecture, Coquelin might be fine for all we know!
I think we will score (I rate QPR's defence as the worst in the league) but can we keep a clean-sheet? I'm going for a hard-earned 2-1 to us.
Just as a passing comment, away from home I would agree, we have conceded 29 times, however at home we have only conceded 16 in 13 games and that is only bettered by 8 other sides in the division........not saying you won't score but I think we will as well. A point for us would be a decent result.
I think it is not going to be as easy a night as some are saying. Rangers are at home, should be scrapping for everything they get, and, now 'Arry has hoofed it, have some tatical nous about them. We all know about our team's vulnerabilities and whilst we do have certain strengths that should see us home, well this is football and it/we are capable of anything. Still going for a 2-1 win though.
Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Rosicky, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud Subs: Martinez, Koscielny, Chambers, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Welbeck We should have good ball retention, and a very strong bench if necessary. Where is Szczesny. Is he injured or has he been dropped from the squad?
