It's a difficult one for both sides. With Arsenal playing Munich just three days after they may rest a few players. They won't start with the same lineup as on Saturday that's for sure. Rosicky, Podolski, Flamini and probably Jenkinson will all start this game giving them a much more solid and formidable look than last weekend. You realise they've got the depth in their squad to rest the players they want without looking too disadvantaged and I'm sure they will.
As for us I find it hard to fathom how some of us have deciphered that Hendo or Raheem look knackered. Only the coaching staff know that. But if they are all in good shape we can only start out strongest side here.
Now is there a window for Johnson to slot back in at full back? It seems more likely he could be on the bench but this is a good thing. Even though he isn't exactly going to win player of the season for his efforts this year he gives us options going forward by being a decent footballer unlike Cissokho who struggles with the ball at his feet. However, in fairness to Aly, he has reclaimed a good deal of his reputation in the last couple of weeks or so with solid defensive performances against Everton, West Brom, Arsenal and Fulham.
One thing's for certain here however is that we return to the Emirates with a much stronger attack than when we went there in November, largely as a result of the immense form Sterling has shown since Christmas onwards and a Sturridge and Suarez front that just gets better and better. This is a real humdinger of an away fixture for us where we have an appalling record. Only recall one win there in recent years, back in August 2011, and even then that was against an injury riddled Arsenal squad that wouldn't have been fit for the league cup. It's going to be tough as ever at the Emirates but we go there with as vibrant a side as I can ever remember. We must and CAN put an end to this hoodoo we experience in that particular part of the world.
Logged