Who knew that the media jumps on bandwagons? The arrival of the Arse at Turfmoor.

By now I am well aware that those of you who have stumbled across this blog in the past have now given up on it, but Play the Gooner Way is back after a lengthy absence. Allow me to explain the circumstances. I was very busy. I realise that is a poor excuse, so I apologise.

Recently there have been numerous instances of the press finding a particular scenario and then bumping it up to garner higher viewings, readings, comments etc. This form of lowest common denominator publishings has seen intense hyperbole of: the Eduardo 'dive', the Henry handball, for some reason the Wenger rant at half time at Anfield, and many more. Today, the media are taking a swipe at poor old Mick McCarthy. It is well known by now that McCarthy made 10 changes to his side that went to Old Trafford last night. On Sunday, it will be the third time in 8 days that Wolves will play a match. McCarthy obviously knew his best team didn't have a cat's chance in hell of winning at Old Trafford, and it was best to save his team for Sunday when they play host to Burnley. A match where they are far more likely to get a result. As it was, the second choice Wolves team only lost 3-0 against the Mancs, which ain't half bad.

Now, I can fully understand the travelling supporters being thoroughly pissed off by splashing out on a trip to Manchester, travelling there, and then not seeing the first team. But to 'brand' (along with other painful mental images such as 'label') McCarthy disrepectful is shortsighted in the extreme. To make matters worse for the Wolves boss, the media have built it up so much that now the Premier League has formally written (oooh I bet McCarthy's scared) to Wolves to ask them to explain their team selection against Old Trafford. Presumably, McCarthy will explain what is written above, the Premier League fat cats will realise they are stupid and the whole thing will blow over. I don't know why there is all this speculation anyway. Ferguson was happy with the team Wolves put out yesterday, and what he says goes.

Yes I realise this is an Arsenal blog.

Arsenal travel to Turfmoor tonight, the home of Burnley. For those of you who think it will be a walkover, think again. For those who think 'well we won at Anfield, we will trounce Burnley', you lot can also think again. Make no mistake, at the moment Turfmoor is a more difficult place to win than Anfield. Burnley have only lost once at home, and have beaten ManUre there. Even so, it must not be forgotten that we are Arsenal, and these are the kind of games that we should be winning. In injury knews, Denilson and Traore are out. Eboue is back. Thus my predited line up is:

Almunia

Sagna Gallas Vermaelen Silvestre

Song

Diaby Fabregas(c)

Nasri Arshavin Eduardo

I reckon Wenger will decide on Arshavin in the middle of the front three because of all the talk about how good he was against Stoke and Liverpool there. Am I the only one who wasn't particularly impressed by him? Yes he makes good runs, yes he took his goals well against Stoke and Liverpool, and for his size he competes fairly well physically. But against Stoke, his touch was absolutely dreadful. The worst on the park. It let him down on every instance except his goal. Liverpool wasn't much different, although his increased work rate in the second half was commendable.
I would much prefer for Eduardo to play in the middle of the front three, and Arshavin to play alongside him where he seems to have better control but, as I said, I have a feeling this isn't going to happen. Speaking of preferences, I would infact prefer to see Nasri play alongside Cesc as he did against Stoke where he was magnificent (and in my opinion the best player on the pitch) with Walcott, Vela or even little Jack being the final player of the triumverate upfront. Failing that, Ramsey in midfield, with Nasri part of the front three. Whatever means Diaby doesn't start. Anyway, I will say it will be an Arsenal victory...3-1.

Finally, Wenger has said he will 'sort out Silvestre's contact', as it expires at the end of the season. The dot com say it in such a way as to suggest le Boss was just playing with us all along when he didn't think about renewing Silvestre's contract till now. In a kind of 'Ahh got you there guys. It's ok don't worry guys, it's ok, I'll sort his contract out. I had you worried there though didn't I? You thought I was just gonna let him go at the end of the season. Haha good times.' God I want Silvestre to go at the end of the season.

'Til tomorrow Gooners.