Manchester City - Arsenal Preview

We should really try and win this game. Not just because Man City are sitting 3 points above us in the league, but also to wipe the smug grin of Mark Hughes' face. Ever since midweek when Adebayor started banging on about how he feels loved again, coupled with the fact he's scored 3 goals in 3 games, Hughes has presumably been grinning innanely to himself whilst going about doing every day things. This obviously needs to stop. Although the period of congratulations Hughes is giving himself will come to a natural end when Adebayor decides he wants to go to Real Madrid (also the fans don't love me anymore, I don't understand why....all I said is that I don't want to play for them anymore, and thus have stopped working hard), I'd rather we finished it for them.

We could have had a tougher test than we are already going to have. Robinho is doubtful, whilst Tevez, Santa Cruz and tough-tackling Kompany are all out. But then again, it's not like we've got all our players sprightly and niggle-free. News came a week or so ago that Djourou will be out for half the season, if not more. Now that's ok if both our first choice centre backs stay injury free, but we know that's not going to happen. Otherwise we'll have to play Song or (shudders) Silvestre at centre back unless Wenger plans on making an ubrupt U-turn and start playing Senderos. Walcott is still a slight doubt, although could return sooner rather than later. And Vela, Nasri and Fabianski will carry on working on the butt-groove they've established in their seats on the sidelines. However the most worrying news is that Arshavin is out for 3 games. Wenger was slightly moody after Arshavin played for Russia midweek, as apparently he shouldn't have. Russia manager Hiddink had said that it was up to Arshavin whether he'd play or not midweek, which was stupid 'cause a player will always choose to play. Especially if he's captain of his country. What is worrying about his injury is that it was his addition that rejuvenated us from our slump last season, and said slump involved that 3-0 loss at Eastlands. However there is no doubting the new spring in our step this year, and hopefully that will be enough to compensate for the loss of our pint sized Russian. Captain Fabulous should also be back after playing a full 90 midweek for Spain (and bagging a very well taken goal), however he may be seen as a slight doubt, and Rosicky returned midweek, playing precisely 56 minutes for the Czech Republic.

As we are away, I think Wenger will choose a slightly more stable side. In other words Diaby may be left on the bench only to be used as a potential impact sub. Wenger may revert to his questionable tactic of playing Eboue in away games also, and although Nik B scored twice in the interlull for Denmark, Eboue has been preferred recently. So I reckon the line-up will be this:

Almunia

Sagna Gallas Vermaelen Clichy

Song

Denilson Fabregas(c)

Eboue v.Persie Eduardo

I hope Bendtner does play instead of Eboue, but I just can't shake that funny feeling. We'll need all the help we can get up front, as Man City are the only team in the league not to have conceded a goal this season. We should also count ourselves lucky that they don't have their full strength strike force, as we haven't kept a clean sheat yet this season, although keeping one today may also be an uphill battle.

Righto. I'm unbelievably happy that Arsenal are back, so I don't have to hear anymore about England and the World cup, and read about overrated performances by Lampard and Rooney....until the 10th of October that is.
Enjoy the match Gooners, and I'll see you here afterwards.