Pre-match Talk Wolves V Arsenal

Hello Gunners fans!

Well, we gave AZ a real beating, which let’s be fair we all expected or at least suspected. But we did it the Arsenal way; with lots of panache and guile; beautiful football made in Arsenal by Arsenal for the world to see; shame about the AZ goal though, would have loved a clean sheet.

Well, it off on the road in the premiership for our late Saturday kick-off at Wolves. For most departments the team news is fairly straight forward; Almunia has managed to survive an uprising for his number 1 spot in goal but you suspect there will another attempt at unseating – maybe un-gloving de-gloving? No!! Ok I’ll get on with it – the Arsenal first choice goalie.

In defence, Centre back is straight forward with Gallas and our current favourite Belgian Vermaelen. At right back I would expect Sagna to return, Eboue should drop to the bench; Gibbs is our only option at left back so we’ll stick with him; Traore is back from a groin problem but is not fit enough yet to give Gibbs a fight for the spot.

In midfield; Wenger is likely to once gain go with the usual three of captain Fabregas, Song and Diaby; Nasri’s impressive performance during the mid-week encounter might have put thoughts in Wenger’s mind to include him from the start instead of Diaby but an away trip and an impressive mid-week display from Diaby himself make that scenario unlikely. Rosicky could also be considered for this position, though he is a flashy midfield player he is quite the battler; but again Diaby should start.

Upfront, it’s going to be Van Persie, Arshavin and one from Nasri, Eduardo and Rosicky; Nasri started in this position in mid-week and as mention earlier put on a good display; Eduardo came on and did very well, the one back heel that split the AZ defence was sublime while Rosicky had a good cameo. I would expect Eduardo to get the nod in this position though. He needs to start getting on the score sheet a little more often now that everyone has forgotten that attempt to avoid the keeper which some called a dive but Arsenal were able to provide “forensic video evidence” to the contrary.

For Wolves; striker Ebanks-Blake returns to the starting line up though Chris Iwelumo is out injured.

The last time both teams met in the league in 2005 Arsenal ran out winners with goals from Vieira and Ljunberg.

I expect Arsenal to win this one maybe not so comfortably; but I hope Van Persie continues in his hot vain of scoring form; but if Arshavin and Fabregas keep up mid week displays then expect a heavy score line in Arsenal’s favour course.